Resignation

Weary of these low scenes of night,
My fainting heart grows sick of time,
Sighs for the dawn of sweet delight,
Sighs for a distant, happier clime!

Ah why that sigh? — peace, coward heart,
And learn to bear thy lot of woe:
Look round — how easy is thy part
To what thy fellow-suff'rers know.

Are not the sorrows of the mind
Entail'd on ev'ry mortal birth?
Convinc'd, hast thou not long resign'd
The flattering hope of bliss on earth?

'Tis just, 'tis right; thus he ordains,
Who form'd this animated clod;
That needful cares, instructive pains,
May bring the restless heart to God.

In him, my soul, behold thy rest,
Nor hope for bliss below the sky:
Come, resignation, to my breast,
And silence every plaintive sigh.

Come, Faith, and Hope, celestial pair!
Calm resignation waits on you;
Beyond these gloomy scenes of care,
Point out a soul-enlivening view.

Parent of good, 'tis thine to give
These cheerful graces to the mind:
Smile on my soul, and bid me live
Desiring, hoping, yet resign'd.

Thy smile, — -sweet dawn of endless day!
Can make my weary spirit blest;
While on my Father's hand I stay,
And in his love securely rest.

My Father, dear, delightful name!
Replete with life, and joy sincere!
O wilt thou gracious, seal my claim,
And banish every anxious fear.

Then, cheerful shall my heart survey
The toils, and dangers of the road;
And patient keep the heav'nly way,
Which leads me homewards to my God.