God moves in a mysterious way
Book 3, Hymn 15 · William Cowper · Public-domain words
God moves in a mysterious way
Book 3, Hymn 15 · William Cowper
The words
- 1
Stanza 1. God moves in a mysterious way,His wonders to perform;He plants his footsteps in the sea,And rides upon the storm.
- 2
Stanza 2. Deep in unfathomable minesOf never failing skillHe treasures up his bright designs,And works his sovereign will.
- 3
Stanza 3. Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,The clouds ye so much dreadAre big with mercy, and shall breakIn blessings on your head.
- 4
Stanza 4. Judge not the LORD by feeble sense,But trust him for his grace;Behind a frowning providence,He hides a smiling face.
- 5
Stanza 5. His purposes will ripen fast,Unfolding every hour;The bud may have a bitter taste,But sweet will be the flow’r.
- 6
Stanza 6. Blind unbelief is sure to err,And scan his work in vain;GOD is his own interpreter,And he will make it plain.
Olney Hymns (1779), Book 3, Hymn 15. William Cowper. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/3-15
About these words
William Cowper lived from 1731 to 1800. These historical words are public domain.
This hymn belongs to the complete three-book collection first published in 1779.
The CCEL transcription modernizes spelling and some punctuation. Read this hymn at the source. Checked 23 October 2026.
No sheet music or recordings are included. This web collection is separate from the PrayLock iPhone app.
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