William Cowper 8,8,8,8 The valley of the shadow of death. My soul is sad and much dismayed; See, LORD, what legions of my foes, With fierce Apollyon at their head, My heav'nly pilgrimage oppose! See, from the over-burning lake How like a smoky cloud they rise! With horrid blasts my soul they shake, With storms of blasphemies and lies. Their fiery arrows reach the mark, My throbbing heart with anguish tear; Each lights upon a kindred spark, And finds abundant fuel there. I hate the thought that wrongs the LORD; O, I would drive it from my breast, With thy own sharp two-edged sword, Far as the east is from the west! Come then, and chase the cruel host, Heal the deep wounds I have received! Nor let the pow'rs of darkness boast That I am foiled, and thou art grieved! |