Hymns

William Cowper (1731-1800) was an English poet and hymnist, and the celebrated friend and companion of John Newton. Together the two collaborated on producing Olney Hymns for the congregants of Newton's parish, which contains Newton's famous hymn Amazing Grace.


In between bouts of severe depression, Cowper contributed 68 hymns to the collection, including such classics as "There is a fountain filled with blood" and "Sometimes a light surprises / The Christian while he sings".


Cowper's final hymn gives a taste of the whole:


"God moves in a mysterious way

His wonders to perform;

He plants His footsteps in the sea,

And rides upon the storm.


Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never-failing skill,

He treasures up His bright designs,

And works His sovereign will.


Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,

The clouds ye so much dread

Are big with mercy, and shall break

In blessings on your head.


Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,

But trust Him for His grace;

Behind a frowning providence

He hides a smiling face.


His purposes will ripen fast,

Unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste,

But sweet will be the flower.


Blind unbelief is sure to err,

And scan His work in vain:

God is His own interpreter,

And he will make it plain."