Temptation

Titled simply “Temptation” by William Cowper in Olney Hymns

1. The billows swell, the winds are high,
Clouds overcast my wintry sky;
Out of the depths to thee I call,
My fears are great, my strength is small.

2. O Lord! the pilot’s part perform,
And guide and guard me through the storm;
Defend me from each threat’ning ill,
Control the waves, say, “Peace, be still!”

3. Amidst the roaring of the sea,
My soul still hangs her hope on thee;
Thy constant love, thy faithful care,
Is all that saves me from despair.

4. Dangers of every shape and name,
Attend the followers of the Lamb,
Who leave the world’s deceitful shore,
And leave it to return no more.

5. Though tempest-tossed, and half a wreck,
My Saviour through the floods I seek;
Let neither winds nor stormy main
Force back my shattered bark again.

William Cowper (1731-1800)
Olney Hymns, 1779