The Home Circle by Marianne Farningham

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Apr 15, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 15.

The Home Circle.

By Marianne Farningham

"THE BURDEN."

To EVERY one on earth God gives a burden to be carried down The road that lies between the cross and crown; No lot is wholly free; He giveth one to thee.

Some carry it aloft, Open and visible to any eyes; And all may see its form and weight and size; Some hide it in their breast, And deem it thus unguessed.

Thy burden is God's gift, And it will make the bearer calm and strong; Yet, lest it press too heavily and long, He says, Cast it on me, And it shall easy be.

And those who heed his voice, And seek to give it back in trustful prayer, Have quiet hearts that never can despair; And hope lights up the way Upon the darkest day.

Take thou thy burden thus Into thy hands, and lay it at his feet, And whether it be sorrow or defeat, Or pain, or sin, or care, Upon the darkest day.

It is the lonely load That crushes out the life and light of Heaven; But born with him, the soul restored, forgiven, Sings out through all the days Her joy, and God's high praise. —Marianne Farningham.