H. A. C.
Christian Friend, vol. 13, 1886, p. 28.
"Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat." Mark 6:31.
"Come ye yourselves apart, and rest awhile;
I would not always have you in the strife
That follows in the track of desert toil,
And fills with care the hours of desert life.
"Come ye yourself apart, and rest awhile,
Repose thy head upon my loving breast,
Nor fear to leave thy labour and thy toil
To taste the joy of solitude and rest.
"I know thy labour, and will ne'er forget
Aught that is done in faith and love to me;
Fruit shall be borne, and I will never let
One grain be lost throughout eternity.
"I do not value faithful service less -
My joy 'twas once in service to be found -
But I would have you know the blessedness
Of leisure and of rest from all around.
"Come ye then to the desert here alone,
And taste the joy of fellowship with Me;
Here at my feet lay every burden down,
And breathe the air of rest and liberty."
"Yes, precious Lord, with gladness I would hear
The loving word that bids me come to Thee,
And would exchange the toil, however dear,
For the deep joy of Thy blest company."
H. A. C.