Mourning and longing

William Cowper · 1779

Catalog grade guidance: 3–5 — Olney hymn for school recitation; preview archaic diction.

32 content lines · 162 words · Est. recitation about 2 min 3 sec (approx.)

Public-domain text for reading and recitation practice. Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library (Olney Hymns, 1779).Estimated time uses ~120 words/minute plus short pauses—not a contest rule.

Hymn 24

William Cowper

6,6,8,6

Mourning and longing.

The Savior hides his face!

My spirit thirsts to prove

Renewed supplies of pard'ning grace,

And never-fading love.

The favored souls who know

What glories shine in him,

Pant for his presence, as the roe

Pants for the living stream!

What trifles tease me now!

They swarm like summer flies,

They cleave to everything I do,

And swim before my eyes.

How dull the Sabbath day,

Without the Sabbath's LORD!

How toilsome then to sing and pray,

And wait upon the word!

Of all the truths I hear

How few delight my taste!

I glean a berry here and there,

But mourn the vintage past.

Yet let me (as I ought)

Still hope to be supplied;

No pleasure else is worth a thought,

Nor shall I be denied.

Though I am but a worm,

Unworthy of his care;

The LORD will my desire perform,

And grant me all my prayer.