Book III · Hymn 14 · Rest for Weary Souls

John Newton

Does the gospel-word proclaim

Rest, for those who weary be?
Mt 11:28

Then, my soul, put in thy claim,
Sure that promise speaks to thee:
Marks of grace I cannot show,
All polluted is my best;
Yet I weary am I know,
And the weary long for rest.
Burdened with a load of sin,
Harassed with tormenting doubt,
Hourly conflicts from within,
Hourly crosses from without:
All my little strength is gone,
Sink I must without supply;
Sure upon the earth is none
Can more weary be than I.

In the ark, the weary dove
Gen 8:9

Found a welcome resting-place;
Thus my spirit longs to prove
Rest in CHRIST, the ark of grace:
Tempest-tossed I long have been,
And the flood increases fast;
Open, LORD, and take me in,
Till the storm be overpast.
Safely lodged within thy breast,
What a wondrous change I find!
Now I know thy promised rest
Can compose a troubled mind
You that weary are like me,
Hearken to the gospel call;
To the ark for refuge flee,

JESUS will receive you all!

SIMILAR HYMNS.

Book I. Hymn 45, 69, 82, 83, 84, 96.

Book II. Hymn 29.

III. CONFLICT.