Peace after a storm

William Cowper · 1779

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

28 content lines · 168 words · Est. recitation about 2 min 1 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 23

William Cowper

8,8,8,8

Peace after a storm.

When darkness long has veiled my mind,

And smiling day once more appears;

Then, my Redeemer, then I find

The folly of my doubts and fears.

Strait I upbraid my wand'ring heart,

And blush that I should ever be

Thus prone to act so base a part,

Or harbor one hard thought of thee!

O! let me then at length be taught

What I am still so slow to learn;

That God is love, and changes not,

Nor knows the shadow of a turn,

Sweet truth, and easy to repeat!

But when my faith is sharply tried,

I find myself a learner yet,

Unskillful, weak, and apt to slide.

But, O my LORD, one look from thee

Subdues the disobedient will;

Drives doubt and discontent away,

And thy rebellious worm is still.

Thou art as ready to forgive,

As I am ready to repine;

Thou, therefore, all the praise receive,

Be shame, and self-abhorrence, mine.