Book III · Hymn 8 · The Shining Light

William Cowper

The shining Light.
My former hopes are dead,
My terror now begins;
I feel, alas! that I am dead
In trespasses and sins.
Ah, whither shall I fly?
I hear the thunder roar
The law proclaims destruction nigh,
And vengeance at the door.
When I review my ways,
I dread impending doom;
But sure, a friendly whisper says,
"Flee from the wrath to come."
I see, or think I see,
A glimm'ring from afar;
A beam of day that shines for me,
To save me from despair.

Fore-runner of the sun,
Ps 130:6

It marks the Pilgrim's way;

I'll gaze upon it while I run,

And watch the rising day.