Classic Poem

No sorrow, like a sweeping storm,
Around the soul fierce conflict wages,
But Christ has power its force to quell,—
No storm can move the Rock of Ages.

O yearning thirst of human hearts!
Thirst which no earthly good assuages,—
Seek water from the Smitten Rock;
That Rock is Christ,—the Rock of Ages.

O hearts and hands consumed by toil,
Confined to earth, as birds in cages!
Rest for the weary—endless rest—
Lies in Thy shelter, Rock of Ages.

Search all the wisdom earth can boast;
Bring all the light from saints and sages,—
Vain is the quest for peace and rest,
Till sought within the Rock of Ages.

What thought, what hope, what love, what joy,
The heart—the curious heart—engages;
Joy, love, and hope surpassing thought,—
All centre in the Rock of Ages.

There is a land serene and fair,
Where falls no blight, no passion rages,
Sheltered and safe from grief and sin,
O'ershadowed by the Rock of Ages.

Grateful, our heaven ward path we tread,
Mount by successive steps and stages,
And wait secure the day of God,—
Hid in Thy clefts, O Rock of Ages!