William Cowper

Olney Hymn 12. Ephraim Repenting

     (Jeremiah, xxxi. 18-20)

    My God, till I received Thy stroke,
        How like a beast was I! 
    So unaccustom'd to the yoke,
        So backward to comply.

    With grief my just reproach I hear;
        Shame fills me at the thought, 
    How frequent my rebellions were,
        What wickedness I wrought.

    Thy merciful restraint I scorn'd,
        And left the pleasant road; 
    Yet turn me, and I shall be turn'd;
        Thou art the Lord my God.

    "Is Ephraim banish'd from my thoughts,
        Or vile in my esteem? 
    No," saith the Lord, "with all his faults,
        I still remember him.

    "Is he a dear and pleasant child?
        Yes, dear and pleasant still; 
    Though sin his foolish heart beguiled,
        And he withstood my will.

    "My sharp rebuke has laid him low,
        He seeks my face again; 
    My pity kindles at his woe,
        He shall not seek in vain."