William Cowper became very depressed at one stage of his life and decided to commit suicide. He called a taxi to take him to the River Thames in London, but it was a "pea-souper" fog and the driver lost his way. Eventually Cowper told the driver to stop and let him out; he then discovered he was back in front of his own home. The experience inspired him to write the following hymn.
---oooOOOooo---
Light shining out of darkness
God moves in a mysterious way
his wonders to perform;
he plants his footsteps 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 flower.
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 (1731-1800)