19 pages • 38 minutes read
Light Shining Out of Darkness
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Themes
Man is Inherently Weak-Minded
Cowper’s hymn, placed towards the end of the Neoclassical Period but right before the beginning of the Romantic Era, is a product of the Enlightenment, also referred to as the “Age of Reason.” The Enlightenment era, which spans from the late-17th century to the early-19th century, is responsible for sweeping advancements in politics, science, and philosophy, among other disciplines. The Neoclassical Period can also be characterized as a reversion back to and imitation of the Greek and Roman classics. In a time where humankind was considered to be at the apex of thought and scientific discovery, it would have been a revolutionary concept for Cowper to point out how weak and ill-equipped the human mind really is when put side-by-side with the Lord. Despite all of humanity’s advancements, God’s works are “mysterious” (Line 1) and “unfathomable” (Line 5). Faced with the sacred mysteries of God, the initial response of humankind is fear. The speaker has to admonish his audience, the “fearful saints” (Line 9), to “fresh courage take” (Line 9). Even though they may not fully comprehend something, the speaker instructs, that doesn’t mean that God is to be avoided or shunned. Instead of responding to the awful might of the Lord with “trust” (Line 14), humankind’s gut reaction is to react with their “feeble sense” (Line 13) and “blind unbelief” (Line 21). Cowper points out to his reader that as advanced as science, literature, philosophy, history, etc., have gotten, there is still so much that they don’t know and will never comprehend. Humankind isn’t meant to comprehend all of the mysteries of the world. Rather, they need to rely on faith to carry them through.
God is a Loving God
A deep dive into religious studies shows that when it comes to the traditional Christian tradition, there is a distinct difference between the God represented in the Old Testament and that of the New Testament. The God of the Old Testament is a vengeful and wrathful God, while the God of the New Testament is forgiving and merciful. The “version” of God that Cowper appears to be promoting is the latter. Throughout the hymn, Cowper tries to dissolve any notions and fears his readers may have regarding the Almighty. He specifically does so by dispelling any intimidating imagery surrounding God. The “sea” (Line 3) and “storm” (Line 4) and “clouds” (Line 10) are dispelled to reveal the “mercy” (Line 11) and “blessings” (Line 12) that eventually “shall break” (Line 11). Similarly, God’s “frowning providence” (Line 15) is not “frowning” at all. It is simply a facade for His “smiling face” (Line 16). What may initially seem “bitter” (Line 19) is later proved to be “sweet” (Line 20). Whatever initially appears to be a negative association with God is switched to the opposite, to something positive. Cowper bolsters his efforts to build individuals’ trust and faith in God with these favorable and auspicious references. God should not be shunned or avoided, but accepted with open arms, for there is nothing to fear.
Avoid Negative Assumptions
In keeping with some of the previous themes, especially the weakness and fallibility of the human mind, Cowper likewise points out the human tendency to always see and point out the negative. This pessimistic outlook is a result of humankind just seeming to skim the surface of image and events. Instead of seeing the “blessings” (Line 12) and “mercy” (Line 11) that will be showered upon them, individuals rather focus on the “clouds” (Line 10) and succumb to their feelings of “dread” (Line 10). Instead of waiting for the “smiling” (Line 16) face that will eventually show itself, mankind tends to focus on the “frowning” (Line 15) countenance. Looking at the unopened “bud” (Line 19) as a failure to bloom and blossom may leave onlookers with a “bitter taste” (Line 19). However, if onlookers are patient enough they will be able to see the fruits of the “sweet” (Line 20) and beautiful “flow’r” (Line 20). Cowper criticizes humans’ need to always see the dark and the negative in a situation, rather than waiting for the good and positive to come to light. Cowper encourages patience, trust, and faith. With belief and steadfastness, Cowper promises that all will work out as it should in the end. This “lesson” may seem to be a little contradictory at first, since Cowper also tells readers that they can’t always comprehend all that occurs in the world. However, these messages work hand-in-hand. While the audience shouldn’t actively go looking for explanations of the wonders of God (which they will never find), they also should learn to wait until the positive, good, and light in any situation is presented to them, remaining constant in their confidence and covenant with the Lord.
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