While in England earlier this year I picked up a copy of the Olney Hymns, the classic collection of hymns and spiritual songs largely penned by John Newton and William Cowper. The following selection is entitled TEMPTATION and ministered to my spirit again today as I perused the lyrics. ~ DavidTEMPTATION
The billows swell, the winds are high,
Clouds overcast my wintry sky;
Out of the depths to Thee I call, --
My fears are great, my strength is small.
Clouds overcast my wintry sky;
Out of the depths to Thee I call, --
My fears are great, my strength is small.
O Lord, the pilot's part perform,
And guard and guide me through the storm;
Defend me from each threatening ill,
Control the waves, -- say, "Peace! be still."
And guard and guide me through the storm;
Defend me from each threatening ill,
Control the waves, -- say, "Peace! be still."
Amidst the roaring of the sea
My soul still hangs her hope on Thee;
Thy constant love, thy faithful care,
Is all that saves me from despair.
My soul still hangs her hope on Thee;
Thy constant love, thy faithful care,
Is all that saves me from despair.
Dangers of every shape and name
Attend the followers of the Lamb,
Who leave the world's deceitful shore,
And leave it to return no more.
Attend the followers of the Lamb,
Who leave the world's deceitful shore,
And leave it to return no more.
Though tempest-toss'd and half a wreck,
My Saviour through the floods I seek;
Let neither winds nor stormy main
Force back my shatter'd bark again.
My Saviour through the floods I seek;
Let neither winds nor stormy main
Force back my shatter'd bark again.
~ William Cowper
Thanks for that selection. It is amazing how Cowper would speak truth to himself in the midst of his trials. It is along the lines of what the Psalmist would do and is biblical! Piper said that Cowper's hymns were his best counselor. I am thankful for Cowper's willingness to write through those dark times.
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