Joy and Peace in Believing
Olney Hymns, William Cowper, from Cowper's Poems, Sheldon & Company, New York
Sometimes a light surprises In holy contemplation It can bring with it nothing, Though vine nor fig tree neitherThe Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord who rises
With healing on His wings"
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
To cheer it after rain.
We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God's salvation,
And find it ever new;
Set free from present sorrow,
We cheerfully can say,
E'en let the unknown tomorrow
Bring with it what it may!
But He will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing,
Will clothe His people too;
Beneath the spreading heavens
No creature but is fed;
And He who feeds the ravens
Will give His children bread.
Their wonted fruit shall bear,
Though all the field should wither,
Nor flocks nor herds be there:
Yet God the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice;
For, while in Him confiding,
