John Newton & William Cowper · 307 of 356
61. I thirst, but not as once I did
Hymn 61
I thirst, but not as once I did, The vain delights of earth to share; Thy wounds, EMMANUEL, all forbid, That I should seek my pleasures there.
It was the sight of thy dear cross, First weaned my soul from earthly things; And taught me to esteem as dross, The mirth of fools and pomp of kings.
I want that that springs from thee, That all things where it flows; And makes a wretched thorn, like me, Bloom as the myrtle, or the rose.
Dear fountain of delight unknown! No longer sink below the brim; But overflow, and pour me down A living, and life–giving stream!
For sure, of all the plants that share The notice of thy Father’s eye; None proves less grateful to his care, Or yields him meaner fruit than I.