Sometimes a Light Surprises

William Cowper · 1779

Catalog grade guidance: 3–5 — Classic Olney hymn; Christian school memory staple.

38 content lines · 181 words · Est. recitation about 2 min 19 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 48

William Cowper

7,6,7,6

Joy and peace in believing.

Sometimes a light surprises

The christian while he sings;

It is the LORD who rises

With healing in his wings:

When comforts are declining,

He grants the soul again

A season of clear shining

To cheer it after rain.

In holy contemplation,

We sweetly then pursue

The theme of God's salvation,

And find it ever new:

Set free from present sorrow,

We cheerfully can say,

E'en let th' unknown tomorrow,
Mt 6:34

Bring with it what it may.

It can bring with it nothing

But he will bear us through;

Who gives the lilies clothing

Will clothe his people too:

Beneath the spreading heavens,

No creature but is fed;

And he who feeds the ravens,

Will give his children bread.

The vine, nor fig-tree neither,
Hab 3:17,18

Their wonted fruit should hear,

Though all the fields should wither,

Nor flocks, nor herds, be there:

Yet God the same abiding,

His praise shall tune my voice;

For while in him confiding,

I cannot but rejoice.