301: OUR rest is in heaven, our rest is not here:

301: OUR rest is in heaven, our rest is not here:

by Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)

1 OUR rest is in heaven, our rest is not here:
Then why should we tremble when trials are near?
Be hushed, our sad spirits, the worst that can come
But shortens the journey, and hastens us home.

2 It is not for us to be seeking our bliss,
And building our hopes in a region like this:
We look for a city which hands have not piled,
We long for a country by sin undefiled.

3 The thorn and the thistle around us may grow ---
We would not lie down, e'en on roses below:
We ask not our portion, we seek not a rest,
Till in glory for ever with Christ we are blest.

4 Let trial and danger our progress oppose,
They'll only make heaven more sweet at the close;
Come joy or come sorrow, whate'er may befall,
A home with our God will repay us for all.

5 With a scrip on the back, and a staff in the hand,
We march on in haste through an enemy's land.
The road may be rough, but it cannot be long,
Let us smooth it with hope, and cheer it with song.