Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

My God! till I received thy stroke

William Cowper

A brilliant English poet and hymnist (1731–1800) who struggled with severe depression and mental illness throughout his life. Despite his deep struggles and times of darkness, Cowper found profound comfort in his faith and his friendship with John Newton. Together, they co-authored the famous Olney Hymns. Cowper's vulnerability and search for hope led him to write some of the church's most comforting and honest hymns, including 'There is a Fountain Filled with Blood' and 'God Moves in a Mysterious Way', which he wrote to declare God's hidden goodness during his own deepest spiritual trials.

Source: Olney Hymns

My God! till I received thy stroke,
How like a beast was I!
So unaccustomed to the yoke,
So backward to comply.
With grief my just reproach I bear,
Shame fills me at the thought;
How frequent my rebellions were!
What wickedness I wrought!
Thy merciful restraint I scorned
And left the pleasant road;
Yet turn me, and I shall be turned,
Thou art the Lord my God.
Is Ephraim banished from my thoughts,
Or vile in my esteem?
No, saith the LORD, with all his faults,
I shall remember him.
Is he a dear and pleasant child?
Yes, dear and pleasant still;
Though sin his foolish heart beguiled,
And he withstood my will.
My sharp rebuke has laid him low,
He seeks my face again;
My pity kindles at his woe,
He shall not seek in vain.