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.