John Newton & William Cowper · 228 of 356
86. The moon has but a borrowed light
Hymn 86
The moon has but a borrowed light, A faint and feeble ray; She owes her beauty to the night, And hides herself by day.
No cheering warmth her beam conveys, Though pleasing to behold; We might upon her brightness gaze Till we were starved with cold.
Just such is all the light to man Which reason can impart; It cannot show one object plain, Nor warm the frozen heart.
Thus moonlight views of truths divine To many fatal prove; For what avail in gifts to shine, Without a spark of love?
The gospel, like the sun at noon, Affords a glorious light; Then fallen reason’s boasted moon Appears no longer bright.
And , not light alone, bestows, But adds a quick’ing pow’r; The desert blossoms like the rose, And sin prevails no more.