Light Shining Out of Darkness

"Amazing Grace" by John Newton (1779) 

John Newton was the Calvinist minister whom Cowper met in Olney and with whom he wrote and published the Olney Hymns collection in 1779. Though written in 1772, “Amazing Grace” appeared in the Olney Hymns collection with a number of Cowper’s original hymns, including “Light Shining Out of Darkness.” Arguably one of the most well-known and easily recognized hymns, “Amazing Grace” expounds on the benevolent nature of God and his ability to dispel all fear and lead his faithful to clarity and peace.

"O For a Closer Walk With God" by William Cowper (1779)

Besides “Light Shining Out of Darkness,” another of Cowper’s renowned hymns is “O For a Closer Walk With God.” As with “Amazing Grace” by Newton, it also appeared in the 1779 publication of the Olney Hymns. The hymn is a love song to God from one of his followers who has strayed from his fold. While the speaker walks aimlessly through darkness, they remember the peace they once felt following God and walking in God’s light. The speaker laments their wandering and commits to returning to the path of righteousness once more.

"Sonnet to William Wilberforce, Esq.