323    L.M.     WIlliam Cowper
Return of Joy. Isa. 54. 7-10; Job 34. 29

1 When darkness long has veiled my mind,
  And smiling day once more appears,
  Then, my Redeemer, then I find
  The folly of my doubts and fears.

2 I chide my unbelieving heart,
  And blush that I should ever be
  Thus prone to act so base a part,
  Or harbour one hard thought of thee.

3 O let me then at length be taught
  (What I am still so slow to learn)
  That God is love, and changes not,
  Nor knows the shadow of a turn.

4 Sweet truth, and easy to repeat!
  But when my faith is sharply tried,
  I find myself a learner yet,
  Unskilful, weak, and apt to slide.

5 But, O my Lord, one look from thee
  Subdues the disobedient will;
  Drives doubt and discontent away,
  And thy rebellious worm is still.

6 Thou art as ready to forgive
  As I am ready to repine;
  Thou, therefore, all the praise receive;
  Be shame and self-abhorrence mine.