08/20/22 Weekend Grif.Net - Lovest Thou Me?
b...@grif.net
One of England’s famous hymnists and most popular poets of his time was William Cowper (pronounced “koo-per”), 1731-1800. He was the forerunners of Romantic Poetry and recognized by Samuel Taylor Coleridge as "the best modern poet".
After being institutionalized for insanity, Cowper found refuge in a fervent evangelical Christianity. Though born again by grace alone, he continued to suffer doubt and feared he would still end up in hell. His close friend John Newton (who wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace”) strengthened Cowper’s confidence in God.
Cowper is best remembered for his series of Olney Hymns. His poem "Light Shining out of Darkness" gave our language the phrase: "God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform." Here is a lesser-known poem that I love . . .
Hark, my soul! it is the Lord:
'Tis thy Saviour, hear His word;
Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee:
"Say, poor sinner, lovest thou me?
"I deliver'd thee when bound,
And when bleeding, heal'd thy wound;
Sought thee wandering, set thee right,
Turn'd thy darkness into light..
"Can a woman’s tender care
Cease towards the child she bare?
Yes, she may forgetful be,
Yet will I remember thee.
"Mine is an unchanging love,
Higher than the heights above;
Deeper than the depths beneath,
Free and faithful, strong as death.
"Thou shalt see my glory soon,
When the work of grace is done;
Partner of my throne shalt be: -
Say, poor sinner, lovest thou me?"
Lord, it is my chief complaint,
That my love is weak and faint;
Yet I love thee and adore:
Oh, for grace to love thee more!
~~
Dr Bob Griffin
"Jesus Knows Me, This I Love!"