Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/Retirement

Retirement.

I love to steal awhile away From every cumbering care,And spend the hours of setting day In humble, grateful prayer.

I love in solitude to shed The penitential tear,And all His promises to plead, Where none but God can hear.

I love to think on mercies past, And future good implore,And all my sighs and sorrows cast On Him whom I adore.

I love by Faith to take a view Of brighter scenes in heaven;Such prospects oft my strength renew, While here by tempests driven.

Thus, when life's toilsome day is o'er, May its departing rayBe calm as this impressive hour, And lead to endless day.