The Cyber Hymnal ‎#6199

6199. Sometimes a Light Surprises

1. Sometimes a light surprises
the Christian while he sings;
It is the Lord, who rises
with healing in His wings:
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining,
to cheer it after rain.

2. In holy contemplation
we sweetly then pursue
The theme of God’s salvation,
and find it ever new.
Set free from present sorrow,
we cheerfully can say,
Let the unknown tomorrow
bring with it what it may.

3. It can bring with it nothing
but He will bear us through;
Who gives the lilies clothing
will clothe His people, too;
Beneath the spreading heavens,
no creature but is fed;
And He who feeds the ravens
will give His children bread.

4. Though vine nor fig tree neither
their wonted fruit should bear,
Though all the field should wither,
nor flocks nor herds be there;
Yet God the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice,
For while in Him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.

Text Information

• First Line: Sometimes a light surprises
• Title: Sometimes a Light Surprises
• Author: William Cowper (1779)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Language: English
• Source: Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779)
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tunes: BENTLEY, John P. Hullah, 1867; RHYDDID, Peroriaeth Hyfryd, by J. Parry, 1837; BLOMSTERTID, Swedish Koralbok, 1697

Tune Information

• Name: PETITION
• Composer: Franz Josef Haydn (1801)
• Meter: 76.76 D
• Incipit: 53217 76514 32117
• Key: G Major
• Source: Die Jahreszeiten, 1801
• Copyright: Public Domain