Aspiration and Rest

O God, of love the Fountain and the Sea!
My fainting soul pants ceaselessly for thee;
Earth’s bitter streams no comfort can supply,—
For thee, for thee, the living God, I sigh.

No more below my wayward wishes roam,—
My heart, at last, is conscious of its home;
My portion thou, my refuge and my rest;—
O gracious Saviour, take me to thy breast.

But O, my brothers! comfortless as I,—
Alike we languish, and alike we die;
Be merciful, O God, and hear the prayer
Of every fainting spirit everywhere.

In the dear shelter of thy tranquil breast,
O Love divine, a weary world would rest;
The whole creation travaileth for thee,
O God, of love the Fountain and the Sea!