Ephraim Repenting

Melody -

William Cowper, 1779, from Olney Hymns, vol. 1, hymn 68

My God! till I received thy stroke,
How like a beast was I!
So unaccustomed to the yoke,
So backward to comply.

2. With grief my just reproach I bear,
Shame fills me at the thought;
How frequent my rebellions were!
What wickedness I wrought!

3. Thy merciful restraint I scorned
And left the pleasant road;
Yet turn me, and I shall be turned,
Thou art the Lord my God.

4. Is Ephraim banished from my thoughts,
Or vile in my esteem?
No, saith the Lord, with all his faults,
I shall remember him.

5. Is he a dear and pleasant child?
Yes, dear and pleasant still;
Though sin his foolish heart beguiled,
And he withstood my will.

6. My sharp rebuke has laid him low,
He seeks my face again;
My pity kindles at his woe,
He shall not seek in vain.

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