1 Lord, unafflicted, undismayed,
In pleasure's path how long I stayed!
Bur Thou hast made me feel Thy rod,
And turned my soul to Thee, my God.
2 What though it pierced my fainting heart,
I bless Thy hand that cased the smart;
It taught my tears a while to flow,
But saved me from eternal woe.
3 Oh hadst Thou left me unchastised,
Thy precepts I had still despised,
And still the snare, in secret laid
Had my unwary feet betrayed.
4 I love Thy chastenings, oh my God;
They fix my hopes on Thy abode,
Where, in Thy presence fully blest,
Thy stricken saints for ever rest.
Source: The Book of Worship #320
William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper"; b. Berkampstead, Hertfordshire, England, 1731; d. East Dereham, Norfolk, England, 1800) is regarded as one of the best early Romantic poets. To biographers he is also known as "mad Cowper." His literary talents produced some of the finest English hymn texts, but his chronic depression accounts for the somber tone of many of those texts. Educated to become an attorney, Cowper was called to the bar in 1754 but never practiced law. In 1763 he had the opportunity to become a clerk for the House of Lords, but the dread of the required public examination triggered his tendency to depression, and he attempted suicide. His subsequent hospitalization and friendship with Morley and Mary Unwin provided emotional st… Go to person page >
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