Category Archives: Other books and writers

A bit of a digression today. Cowper was Jane’s favorite poet, and this is one of my favorites of his.

God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footstep in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill;
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.

William Cowper, “Light Shining Out of Darkness” from Olney Hymns

I love the idea of the clouds being “big with mercy.”

The picture is from the garden at Alton Abbey, one of the places I stayed on my trip.