John Newton & William Cowper · 265 of 356

21. ’Tis past—the dreadful stormy night

Hymn 21

’Tis past—the dreadful stormy night Is gone, with all its fears! And now I see returning light, The Lord, my Sun, appears.

The tempter, who but lately said, I soon shall be his prey; Has heard my Savior’s voice and fled With shame and grief away.

Ah, LORD, since thou didst hide thy face, What has my soul endured? But now ’tis past, I feel thy grace, And all my wounds are cured!

O wondrous change! but just before Despair beset me round; I heard the lion’s horrid roar, And trembled at the sound.

Before corruption, guilt and fear, My comfort blasted fell; And unbelief discovered near The dreadful depths of hell.

But JESUS pitied my distress, He heard my feeble cry; Revealed his blood and righteousness, And brought salvation nigh.

Beneath the banner of his love, I now secure remain; The tempter frets, but dares not move To break my peace again.

LORD, since thou thus hast broke my bands, And set the captive free; I would devote my tongue, my hands, My heart, my all to thee.