Christian Classics
‹ Olney Hymns

John Newton & William Cowper · 267 of 356

23. When darkness long has veiled my mind

Hymn 23

When darkness long has veiled my mind, And smiling day once more appears; Then, my Redeemer, then I find The folly of my doubts and fears.

Strait I upbraid my wand’ring heart, And blush that I should ever be Thus prone to act so base a part, Or harbor one hard thought of thee!

O! let me then at length be taught What I am still so slow to learn; That God is love, and changes not, Nor knows the shadow of a turn,

Sweet truth, and easy to repeat! But when my faith is sharply tried, I find myself a learner yet, Unskillful, weak, and apt to slide.

But, O my LORD, one look from thee Subdues the disobedient will; Drives doubt and discontent away, And thy rebellious worm is still.

Thou art as ready to forgive, As I am ready to repine; Thou, therefore, all the praise receive, Be shame, and self–abhorrence, mine.