THE KINGDOM OF REST by M. A. HOUSE.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 19, 1869

THE KINGDOM OF REST.

By M. A. HOUSE.

I think of a home in the kingdom of rest, Where the loved of the Lord will abide, A home which the glory of God doth illume, And nothing of ill can betide. Where sorrow and tears are forever unknown, And joys never-ending find room, Where the brow wears the impress of heavenly peace, And the cheek immortality's bloom.

O kingdom of rest! would we taste of thy bliss, And share in the promised reward? We must cheerfully lift every cross that appears, And joyfully follow our Lord. Though the road lead through toiling and suffering here, We must “drink of the cup” that is given, “Through much tribulation” his chosen must pass, If they enter the kingdom of Heaven.

If trials are needful the heart to prepare For that world of enrapturing bliss, Let me march with the army of cross-bearers here, And share in the conflicts of this. And let not the heart sinful murmurings know, Nor tongue speak of hardship or loss; We’ll reach home ere long if we follow the Light, And journey in sight of the cross.

I would gird close around me the armor of God— The helmet, the breastplate, and shield; For the enemy’s pickets are weaponed and strong, And his hosts even now in the field. Then courage, O heart! in the contest be brave, Soon, soon, will the warfare be done; The triumph will come when the battle is o’er, And rest when the victory’s won.

M. A. HOUSE.

Battle Creek, Mich.