The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

Of credit and renown,
A train-band captain eke was he
Of famous London town.
‘John Gilpin’ (1785) l. 1
My sister and my sister’s child,
Myself and children three,
Will fill the chaise; so you must ride
On horseback after we.
‘John Gilpin’ (1785) l. 13
O’erjoy’d was he to find
That, though on pleasure she was bent,
She had a frugal mind.
‘John Gilpin’ (1785) l. 30
Beware of desperate steps. The darkest day
(Live till tomorrow) will have passed away.
‘The Needless Alarm’ (written c.1790) l. 132
No dancing bear was so genteel,
Or half so dègagè.
‘Of Himself’ (written 1752)
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
‘Olney Hymns’ (1779) ‘Light Shining out of Darkness’
Ye fearful saints fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.
‘Olney Hymns’ (1779) ‘Light Shining out of Darkness’
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
‘Olney Hymns’ (1779) ‘Light Shining out of Darkness’
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
‘Olney Hymns’ (1779) ‘Light Shining out of Darkness’
Hark, my soul! it is the Lord;
’Tis thy Saviour, hear his word;
Jesus speaks, and speaks to thee;