Rest is not quitting
The busy career;
Rest is the fitting
Of self to its sphere.
’Tis the brook’s motion,
Clear without strife,
Fleeing to ocean,
After its life.
Deeper devotion
Nowhere hath knelt,
Fuller emotion
Heart never felt.
’Tis loving and serving,
The highest and best!
’Tis onward,—unswerving,—
And that is true rest.
ONE BY ONE.
One by one the sands are flowing,
One by one the moments fall;
Some are coming, some are going,—
Do not strive to grasp them all.
One by one thy duties wait thee,
Let thy whole strength go to each
Let no future dreams elate thee,
Learn thou first what these can teach
One by one (bright gifts from heaven)
Joys are sent thee here below;
Take them readily when given,
Ready, too, to let them go.
One by one thy griefs shall meet thee.
Do not fear an armed band;
One will fade as others greet thee,
Shadows passing through the land.
Do not look at life’s long sorrow;
See how small each moment’s pain;
God will help thee for to-morrow,
Every day begin again.