Ephraim Repenting. Jer 31:18-20
Olney Hymns, by William Cowper, from Cowper's Poems, Sheldon & Company, New York
My God, till I receive Thy stroke, With grief my just reproach I bear; Thy merciful restraint I scorn'd, "Is Ephraim banish'd from my thoughts, "Is he a dear and pleasant child? "My sharp rebuke has laid him low How like a beast was I!
So unaccustom'd to the yoke,
So backward to comply.
Shame fills me at the thought,
How frequent my rebellions were,
What wickedness I wrought.
And left the pleasant road;
Yet turn me, and I shall be turn'd;
Thou are the Lord my God.
Or vile in my esteem?
No," saith the Lord, "with all his faults,
I still remember him.
Yes, dear and pleasant still;
Though sin his foolish heart beguiled,
And he withstood my will.
He seeks my face again;
My pity kindles at his woe,