Verse 1
Does the gospel–word proclaim
Rest, for those who weary be? (Matt. 11:28)
Then, my soul, put in thy claim,
Sure that promise speaks to thee: (Heb. 4:9)
Marks of grace I cannot show,
All polluted is my best; (Isa. 64:6)
Yet I weary am I know,
And the weary long for rest.
Verse 2
Burdened with a load of sin, (Matt. 11:28, Ps. 38:4)
Troubled* with tormenting doubt,
Hourly conflicts from within, (II Cor. 7:5, Rom. 7:21-25)
Hourly crosses from without:
All my little strength is gone, (Ps. 31:10)
Sink I must without supply;
Sure upon the earth is none
Can more weary be than I.
Verse 3
In the ark, the weary dove
Found a welcome resting–place; (Gen. 8:8-12)
Thus my spirit longs to prove
Rest in CHRIST, the ark of grace: (Matt. 11:28)
Tempest–tossed I long have been, (Ps. 107:25-30)
And the flood increases fast;
Open, LORD, and take me in,
Till the storm be overpast. (Ps. 57:1)
Verse 4
Safely lodged within thy breast, (Ps. 91:1)
What a wondrous change I find!
Now I know thy promised rest (Matt. 11:28, Heb. 4:1)
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! (John 6:37)
* Newton’s original is “Harassed.” The modern way of saying this word, emphasizing the second syllable, does not fit his meter, so I’ve substituted “Troubled.” I am happy for either to be sung.