Book III · Hymn 28 · Prayer for Patience

William Cowper

Prayer for patience.
Lord, who hast suffered all for me,
My peace and pardon to procure;
The lighter cross I bear for thee,
Help me with patience to endure.
The storm of loud repining hush,
I would in humble silence mourn;
Why should th' unburnt, though burning bush,
Be angry as the crackling thorn?
Man should not faint at thy rebuke,

Like Joshua falling on his face,
Josh 7:1-6

When the cursed thing that Achan took,
Brought Israel into just disgrace.
Perhaps some golden wedge suppressed,
Some secret sin offends my GOD;
Perhaps that Babylonish vest,
Self-righteousness, provokes the rod.
Ah! were I buffeted all day,
Mocked, crowned with thorns, and spit upon;
I yet should have no right to say,
My great distress is mine alone.
Let me not angrily declare
No pain was ever sharp like mine;
Nor murmur at the cross I hear,

But rather weep rememb'ring thine.