Go Ad-Free
If you regularly use Hymnary.org, you might benefit from eliminating ads. Consider buying a subscription.
799 | Glory to God#800 | 801 |
Text: | Sometimes a Light Surprises |
Author: | William Cowper |
Tune: | SALLEY GARDENS |
Arranger: | Alfred V. Fedak |
Media: | Audio recording |
1 Sometimes a light surprises
the child of God who 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.
2 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,
“Let the unknown tomorrow
bring with it what it may.”
3 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.
4 Though vine nor fig tree neither
their longed-for fruit should bear,
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.
Text Information | |
---|---|
First Line: | Sometimes a light surprises |
Title: | Sometimes a Light Surprises |
Author: | William Cowper (1779, alt.) |
Meter: | 7.6.7.6.D |
Language: | English |
Publication Date: | 2013 |
Scripture: | ; ; ; ; ; ; |
Topic: | Care of Creation; Healing; Lament(2 more...) |
Tune Information | |
---|---|
Name: | SALLEY GARDENS |
Arranger: | Alfred V. Fedak (2011) |
Meter: | 7.6.7.6.D |
Key: | C Major |
Source: | Irish folk melody |
Copyright: | Arr. © 2011 Alfred V. Fedak |
This is one of the few hymns rooted in what can happen during worship, and that experience—gaining a spiritual insight while singing—is no less possible now than when this text was written in the 18th century. It is set here to a folk song variously labeled Irish or English.
Media | |
---|---|
Audio recording: | ![]() |