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1837–1928

MY REST

Joseph Horatio Chant

I would not cherish a wish or thought Displeasing, Lord, to Thee; Thy will is good, and with wisdom fraught, And that suffices me.

I cannot alter a plan of Thine, And would not if I could; I acquiesce in the will divine, And find my highest good.

At times my vessel drifts near the shore, And the beacon lights expire, The surf-capped waves swell more and more, And threaten with ruin dire;

But only the surface sea is rough; The ocean's depths are calm, And a star affords me light enough, The Star of Bethlehem.

And by its light I discern the sand And rocks along the coast, And turn away toward a fairer land, And standing at my post,

I guide my bark thro’ the tempest wild, Borne on by wind and tide, Till God receives His weak, erring child, And shelters near His side.

“Lo, I come, O Lord, to do Thy will!” Shines from my star divine, And my heart cries out, “In me fulfill Also, Thy wise design.”

I would not alter a plan of thine If I the power possessed; My will is lost in the will divine, ‘ Tis here I find my rest.

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MY REST · Joseph Horatio Chant · Poetry Cove