Poem by William Cowper

Olney Hymn 44. On Opening a Place for Social Prayer

O Lord, my best desire fulfil,
    And help me to resign 
Life, health, and comfort to Thy will,
    And make Thy pleasure mine.

Why whould I shrink at Thy command,
    Whose love forbids my fears? 
Or tremble at the gracious hand
    That wipes away my tears?

No, rather let me freely yield
    What most I prize to Thee; 
Who never hast a good withheld,
    Or wilt withhold, from me.

Thy favor, all my journey through,
    Thou art engaged to grant; 
What else I want, or think I do,
    'Tis better still to want.

Wisdom and mercy guide my way,
    Shall I resist them both? 
A poor blind creature of day,
    And crush'd before the moth!

But ah! my inward spirit cries,
    Still binds me to Thy sway; 
Else the next cloud that veils the skies
    Drives all these thoughts away.

1. Olney Hymn 18. Lovest Thou Me?
2. Olney Hymn 28. Jesus Hasting to Suffer
3. Olney Hymn 32. The Shining Light
4. Olney Hymn 37. Temptation
5. Olney Hymn 8. O Lord, I Will Praise Thee

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