When darkness long has veiled my mind

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. When darkness long has veiled my mind,And smiling day once more appears;Then, my Redeemer, then I findThe folly of my doubts and fears.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. Strait I upbraid my wand’ring heart,And blush that I should ever beThus prone to act so base a part,Or harbor one hard thought of thee!

3. 3

   Stanza 3. O! let me then at length be taughtWhat I am still so slow to learn;That God is love, and changes not,Nor knows the shadow of a turn,

4. 4

   Stanza 4. Sweet truth, and easy to repeat!But when my faith is sharply tried,I find myself a learner yet,Unskillful, weak, and apt to slide.

5. 5

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

6. 6

   Stanza 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.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 3, Hymn 23. William Cowper. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/3-23