William Duke

1757-1840 / USA

Rejoicing In Hope

Tost on the troubled sea of life,
On every side assailed,
Involved in passion's stormy strife,
In irksome suff'rance held.

The faithful word of promise cheers
And bears my spirits up,
Dispels my dark desponding fears
And stablishes my hope.

Hope that shall every toil survive,
That smoothes the rugged path,
That mitigates the ills of life,
And soothes the hour of death.

And when the storms of life are o'er,
And all our conflicts cease,
When landed on the heavenly shore
To enjoy eternal peace.

Hope at the last, her charge resigned,
Securely we dismiss,
And an abundant entrance find,
To the abodes of bliss.

Till then our progress she attends
To solace and relieve:
And waits till every conflict ends
To take her final leave.

Possessed of all we hoped below,
Our utmost wish attained,
Our happiness complete, we know
Our full perfection gained.

Thus may I cheerfully endure,
Till thus my warfare past;-
Suffice for me the promise sure,
I shall be crowned at last.
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