Hymns on The Christian Life-"The Shining Light" by William Cowper

My former hopes are fled,
My terror now begins;
I feel, alas! that I am dead
In trespasses and sins.

Ah, whither shall I fly?
I hear the thunder roar;
The Law proclaims Destruction nigh,
And Vengeance at the door.

When I review my ways,
I dread impending doom:
But sure a friendly whisper says,
"Flee from the wrath to come."

I see, or think I see,
A glimmering from afar;
A beam of day, that shines for me,
To save me from despair.

Forerunner of the sun,
It marks the pilgrim's way;
I'll gaze upon it while I run,
And watch the rising day.

William Cowper suffered from depression. His friend, John Newton set him to compose hymns. His struggles are seen in this and other hymns he wrote, and even better we see the results. We see his eyes on Christ.
For more of his hymns on the Christian life-click on this link.