Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

The saints should never be dismayed

William Cowper · 1779

Source: Olney Hymns

Stanza 1

The saints should never be dismayed,
Nor sink in hopeless fear;
For when they least expect his aid,
The Savior will appear.

Stanza 2

This Abraham found, he raised the knife,
GOD saw, and said, "Forbear;"
Yon ram shall yield his meaner life,
Behold the victim there.

Stanza 3

Once David seemed Saul's certain prey,
But hark! the foe's at hand;
Saul turns his arms another way,
To save th' invaded land.

Stanza 4

When Jonah sunk beneath the wave
He thought to rise no more;
But God prepared a fish to save,
And bear him to the shore.

Stanza 5

Blest proofs of pow'r and grace divine,
That meet us in his word!
May every deep-felt care of mine
Be trusted with the Lord.

Stanza 6

Wait for his seasonable aid,
And though it tarry wait:
The promise may be long-delayed,
But cannot come too late.