William Cowper 8,6,8,6 Contentment Php 4:11 [18] Fierce passions discompose the mind, As tempests vex the sea; But calm content and peace we find, When, LORD, we turn to thee. In vain by reason and by rule, We try to bend the will; For none, but in the Savior's school, Can learn the heav'nly skill. Since at his feet my soul has sat, His gracious words to hear; Contented with my present state, I cast, on him, my care. "Art thou a sinner, soul? he said, Then how canst thou complain? How light thy troubles here, if weighed With everlasting pain! If thou of murmuring wouldst be cured, Compare thy griefs with mine; Think what my love for thee endured, And thou wilt not repine. 'Tis I appoint thy daily lot, And I do all things well: Thou soon shalt leave this wretched spot, And rise with me to dwell. In life my grace shall strength supply, Proportioned to thy day; At death thou still shalt find me nigh, To wipe thy tears away." Thus I who once my wretched days, In vain repinings spent; Taught in my Savior's school of grace, Have learned to be content. Footnotes: [18] See also Book 3, Hymn 55 |