Christ's Yoke Easy

"Come  unto  me  all ye that  labor, and are heavy  laden, and  I will give you  rest. Take  my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls."
Matt. xi. 28, 29.

Where  love is strong, 'tis easy to obey;
'Tis thus the grateful and devoted child,
Who tends his aged parents night and day,
Finds all his labors by his heart beguiled.
The light of love can make deep darkness bright,
And change a bed of thorns to beds of roses;
'Tis love, celestial love, that makes so light
The yoke, which Jesus on his friends imposes.
Prompted by this, with ready will and hand,
They follow in the path, which He hath trod;
Revere alike his life and his command,
And bow with gratitude beneath his rod.
Nothing is grievous which he bids to do;
Where love inspires the heart, life, hope, and strength are new.

— American Cottage Life (1850) XXV.