The Rock Of Rest.
S. Matthew xvi. 18.
Tossed on many a wave of doctrine,
Restless, weary, ill at ease
With beliefs that quiet others,
But as vague to me as these;
I have done with idly chasing
Phantom lights, that rise and fall;
Drift no more with drifting doctrines—
Grown indifferent to them all!
Shall I long regret the visions
Of a rest so inly wooed?
Shall I long go on deploring
Creeds, that but opinions proved?
Quenched be every weak emotion!
Bring my future weal or woe,
Weal nor woe shall blight or bless me—
Faith, nor creed, shall move me now!
Murmuring thus, there came a whisper
From the Friend who knew me best:
“Seek the rock on which I builded:
On that rock alone is rest.”
Suddenly, with light supernal,
Faith, the higher reason, came,
And my foot touched base eternal—
Benedictions on his name!
R. S. W.
Brussels, Belgium.