I was a groveling creature once

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I was a groveling creature once

Author: William Cowper
Published in 32 hymnals

Representative Text

1 I was a groveling creature once,
And basely cleaved to earth;
I wanted wisdom to renounce
The clod that gave me birth.

2 But God hath spoke from heaven above,
And blest a guilty worm;
Hath given the wings of joy and love
To seek an Angel's form.

3 With these to Pisgah's top I fly,
And there delighted stand;
I hear the promise from on high,
And view the glorious land.

4 Blest Lord of all the vast domain,
This promise is to me;
The length, the breadth, and all the plain,
And more than faith can see.

5 Though comforting this gracious pledge,
To thee for help I call,
For still I stand on Pisgah's edge:
O save me lest I fall!

6 Though much exalted by the Lord,
My strength is not my own;
O let me tremble at his word,
Then none shall cast me down.

The Hartford Selection of Hymns from the most approved authors, 1799

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Author: William Cowper

William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper"; b. Berkampstead, Hertfordshire, England, 1731; d. East Dereham, Norfolk, England, 1800) is regarded as one of the best early Romantic poets. To biographers he is also known as "mad Cowper." His literary talents produced some of the finest English hymn texts, but his chronic depression accounts for the somber tone of many of those texts. Educated to become an attorney, Cowper was called to the bar in 1754 but never practiced law. In 1763 he had the opportunity to become a clerk for the House of Lords, but the dread of the required public examination triggered his tendency to depression, and he attempted suicide. His subsequent hospitalization and friendship with Morley and Mary Unwin provided emotional st… Go to person page >

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