Afflictions Sanctified by the Word
Olney Hymns, William Cowper, from Cowper's Poems, Sheldon & Company, New York
Oh how I love Thy holy Word, What are the mines of shining wealth, Long unafflicted, undismay'd, What though it pierced my fainting heart, Oh! hadst Thou left me unchastised, I love thee, therefore, O my God,Thy gracious covenant, O Lord!
It guides me in the peaceful way;
I think upon it all the day.
The strength of youth, the bloom of health!
What are all joys compared with those
Thine everlasting Word bestows!
In pleasure's path secure I stray'd;
Thou mad'st me feel thy chast'ning rod,
And straight I turn'd unto my God.
I bless'd Thine hand that caused the smart:
It taught my tears awhile to flow,
But saved me from eternal woe.
Thy precepts I had still despised;
And still the snare in secret laid
Had my unwary feet betray'd.
And breathe towards Thy dear abode;
Where, in Thy presence fully blest,
