William Cowper (1731–1800)

When darkness long has veil’d my mind,

And smiling day once more appears;

Then, my Redeemer, then I find

The folly of my doubts and fears.

Straight I upbraid my wand’ring heart,

And blush that I should ever be

Thus prone to act so base a part,

Or harbour one hard thought of thee!

Oh! 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 try’d,

I find myself a learner yet,

Unskilful, 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.