Contentment

Melody -

William Cowper, 1779, from Olney Hymns, vol. 1, hymn 131

Fierce passions discompose the mind,
As tempests vex the sea;
But calm content and peace we find,
When, Lord, we turn to thee.

2. In vain by reason and by rule,
We try to bend the will;
For none, but in the Saviour's school,
Can learn the heav'nly skill.

3. Since at his feet my soul has sat,
His gracious words to hear;
Contented with my present state,
I cast, on him, my care.

4. Art thou a sinner, soul? he said,
Then how canst thou complain?
How light thy troubles here, if weighed
With everlasting pain!

5. If thou of murmuring wouldst be cured,
Compare thy griefs with mine;
Think what my love for thee endured,
And thou wilt not repine.

6. 'Tis I appoint thy daily lot,
And I do all things well:
Thou soon shalt leave this wretched spot,
And rise with me to dwell.

7. In life my grace shall strength supply,
Proportioned to thy day;
At death thou still shalt find me nigh,
To wipe thy tears away.

8. Thus I who once my wretched days,
In vain repinings spent;
Taught in my Saviour's school of grace,
Have learned to be content.

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