My former hopes are dead
Book 3, Hymn 8 · William Cowper · Public-domain words
My former hopes are dead
Book 3, Hymn 8 · William Cowper
The words
- 1
Stanza 1. My former hopes are dead,My terror now begins;I feel, alas! that I am deadIn trespasses and sins.
- 2
Stanza 2. Ah, whither shall I fly?I hear the thunder roarThe law proclaims destruction nigh,And vengeance at the door.
- 3
Stanza 3. When I review my ways,I dread impending doom;But sure, a friendly whisper says,“Flee from the wrath to come.”
- 4
Stanza 4. I see, or think I see,A glimm’ring from afar;A beam of day that shines for me,To save me from despair.
- 5
Stanza 5. Fore–runner of the sun,It marks the Pilgrim’s way;I’ll gaze upon it while I run,And watch the rising day.
Olney Hymns (1779), Book 3, Hymn 8. William Cowper. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/3-8
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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