Oh, Rest Awhile

Oh

rest a while

but on­ly for a while;

Life’s bu­si­ness press­es

and the time is short:

Ease may the wea­ry of re­ward be­guile;

Let not the work­man lose what he has wrought.

Rest for a while

if on­ly for a while.

The strong birds tire

and glad­ly seek their nest:

With qui­et heart en­joy Heav­en’s qui­et smile;

What strength has he who nev­er takes his rest?

Rest for a while

though ’tis but for a while;

Home flies the bee

then soon re-quits the hive:

Rest on thy staff

walk then ano­ther mile;

Soon will the long

the fi­nal rest ar­rive.

Oh

rest awhile

for rest is self-re­turn;

Leave the loud world

and vis­it thine own breast;

The mean­ing of thy la­bors thou wilt learn

When thus at peace

with Je­sus for thy guest.