Rest for weary souls

John Newton · 1779

Catalog grade guidance: 6–8 — Olney hymn; editorial grade guidance.

42 content lines · 213 words · Est. recitation about 2 min 40 sec (approx.)

Public-domain text for reading and recitation practice. Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library (Olney Hymns, 1779).Estimated time uses ~120 words/minute plus short pauses—not a contest rule.

Hymn 14

John Newton

7,7,7,7

Rest for weary souls.

Does the gospel-word proclaim

Rest, for those who weary be?
Mt 11:28

Then, my soul, put in thy claim,

Sure that promise speaks to thee:

Marks of grace I cannot show,

All polluted is my best;

Yet I weary am I know,

And the weary long for rest.

Burdened with a load of sin,

Harassed with tormenting doubt,

Hourly conflicts from within,

Hourly crosses from without:

All my little strength is gone,

Sink I must without supply;

Sure upon the earth is none

Can more weary be than I.

In the ark, the weary dove
Gen 8:9

Found a welcome resting-place;

Thus my spirit longs to prove

Rest in CHRIST, the ark of grace:

Tempest-tossed I long have been,

And the flood increases fast;

Open, LORD, and take me in,

Till the storm be overpast.

Safely lodged within thy breast,

What a wondrous change I find!

Now I know thy promised rest

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!

SIMILAR HYMNS.

Book I. Hymn 45, 69, 82, 83, 84, 96.

Book II. Hymn 29.

III. CONFLICT.