Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

There is a fountain filled with blood

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

There is a fountain filled with blood

Drawn from EMMANUEL'S veins;

And sinners, plunged beneath that flood,

Loose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see

That fountain in his day;

And there have I, as vile as he,

Washed all my sins away.

Dear dying Lamb, thy precious blood

Shall never lose its pow'r;

Till all the ransomed church of God

Be saved, to sin no more.

E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream

Thy flowing wounds supply:

Redeeming love has been my theme,

And shall be till I die.

Then in a nobler sweeter song

I'll sing thy pow'r to save

When this poor lisping stamm'ring tongue

Lies silent in the grave.

Lord, I believe thou hast prepared

(Unworthy though I be)

For me a blood-bought free reward,

A golden harp for me!

'Tis strung, and tuned, for endless years,

And formed by pow'r divine;

To sound, in God the Father's ears,

No other name but thine.

There is a fountain filled with blood

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