The Poetical Works of William Cowper (Benham)/Olney Hymns/10. The future Peace and Glory of the Church

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3306510The Poetical Works of William Cowper — 10. The future Peace and Glory of the ChurchWilliam Cowper (1731-1800)

X. THE FUTURE PEACE AND
GLORY OF THE CHURCH

Isaiah lx:15-20.

Hear what God the Lord hath spoken:

"O my people, faint and few,
Comfortless, afflicted, broken,
Fair abodes I build for you.
Thorns of heartfelt tribulation
Shall no more perplex your ways:
You shall name your walls Salvation,
And your gates shall all be praise.

"There, like streams that feed the garden,
Pleasures without end shall flow;
For the Lord, your faith rewarding,
All his bounty shall bestow;
Still in undisturbed possession
Peace and righteousness shall reign;
Never shall you feel oppression,
Hear the voice of war again.

Ye no more your suns descending,
Waning moons no more shall see;
But, your griefs, for ever ending,
Find eternal noon in me:
God shall rise, and shining o'er ye,
Change to day the gloom of night;
He, the Lord, shall be your glory,
God your everlasting light."