A Selection of Hymns ‎#CCXLI

CCXLI. Return of Joy

1 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.

2 I chide my unbelieving heart;
And blush that I should ever be
Thus prone to act so base a part,
Or harbor one hard thought of thee!

3 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.

4 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.

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

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

Text Information

• First Line: When darkness long has veil'd my mind
• Title: Return of Joy
• Author: Cowper
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1792
• Topic: The Graces of the Holy Spirit: Joy and Rejoicing; God: is love; Joy and rejoicing; The return of joy; Unbelief lamented

Tune Information

(No tune information)