William Cowper

Here you will find the Poem Olney Hymn 32: The Shining Light of poet William Cowper

Olney Hymn 32: The Shining Light

My former hopes are fled, 
My terror now begins; 
I feel, alas! that I am dead 
In trespasses and sins. 

Ah, whither shall I fly? 
I hear the thunder roar; 
The Law proclaims Destruction nigh, 
And Vengeance at the door. 

When I review my ways, 
I dread impending doom: 
But sure a friendly whisper says, 
'Flee from the wrath to come.' 

I see, or think I see, 
A glimmering from afar; 
A beam of day, that shines for me, 
To save me from despair. 

Forerunner of the sun, 
It marks the pilgrim's way; 
I'll gaze upon it while I run, 
And watch the rising day.