Seeking the beloved

William Cowper · 1779

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

29 content lines · 163 words · Est. recitation about 1 min 59 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 13

William Cowper

8,6,8,6

Seeking the beloved.

To those who know the LORD I speak,

Is my beloved near?

The bridegroom of my soul I seek,

O! when will he appear!

Though once a man of grief and shame,

Yet now he fills a throne;

And bears the greatest, sweetest name,

That earth or heav'n have known.

Grace flies before, and love attends

His steps where'er be goes;

Though none can see him but his friends,

And they were once his foes.

He speaks--obedient to his call

Our warm affections move;

Did he but shine alike on all,

Then all alike would love.

Then love in every heart would reign,

And war would cease to roar;

And cruel, and blood-thirsty men,

Would thirst for blood no more.

Such JESUS is, and such his grace,

Oh may he shine on you!
SS 5:8

And tell him, when you see his face,

I long to see him too.