Contentment.

I

Fierce passions discompose the mind,
  As tempests vex the sea;
But calm content and peace we find
  When, Lord, we turn to thee.

II

In vain by reason and by rule
  We try to bend the will;
For none but in the Saviour’s school
  Can learn the heavenly skill.

III

Since at his feet my soul has sat,
  His gracious words to hear;
Contented with my present state,
  I cast on him my care.

IV

“Art thou a sinner, soul?” he said,
  “Then how canst thou complain?
How light thy troubles here, if weigh’d
  With everlasting pain?

V

If thou of murm’ring wouldst be cured,
  Compare thy griefs with mine;
Think what my love for thee endured,
  And thou wilt not repine.

VI

’Tis I appoint thy daily lot,
  And I do all things well:
Thou soon shalt leave this wretched spot,
  And rise with me to dwell.

VII

In life, my grace shall strength supply
  Proportion’d to thy day;
At death, thou still shalt find me nigh,
  To wipe thy tears away.”

VIII

Thus I, who once my wretched days
  In vain repinings spent,
Taught in my Saviour’s school of grace,
  Have learn’d to be content.