513Habakkuk 3:17-187 6. 7 6. D
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,
‘E’en let the unknown morrow
    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 fields 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.
 
William Cowper, 1731-1800