The Poetry Corner

Prayer For Patience.

By William Cowper

Lord, who hast sufferd 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 the unburnt though burning bush, Be angry as the crackling thorn? Man should not faint at thy rebuke, Like Joshua falling on his face,[1] When the curst thing that Achan took Brought Israel into just disgrace. Perhaps some golden wedge suppressd, Some secret sin offends my God; Perhaps that Babylonish vest, Self-righteousness, provokes the rod. Ah! were I buffeted all day, Mockd, crownd 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 bear, But rather weep, remembering thine.