The happy change

William Cowper · 1779

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

29 content lines · 150 words · Est. recitation about 1 min 52 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 44

William Cowper

8,6,8,6

The happy change.

How blest thy creature is, O God,

When with a single eye,

He views the lustre of thy word,

The day-spring from on high!

Through all the storms that veil the skies,

And frown on earthly things;

The Sun of righteousness he eyes,

With healing on his wings.

Struck by that light, the human heart,
Isa 35:7

A barren soil no more;

Sends the sweet smell of grace abroad,

Where serpents lurked before.

The soul, a dreary province once

Of Satan's dark domain;

Feels a new empire formed within,

And owns a heav'nly reign.

The glorious orb, whose golden beams,

The fruitful year control

Since first obedient to thy word,

He started from the goal;

Has cheered the nations, with the joys

His orient rays impart

But Jesus, 'tis thy light alone,

Can shine upon the heart.