The words
Stanza 1. Elijah’s example declares,Whatever distress may betide;The saints may commit all their caresTo him who will surely provide:When rain long withheld from the earthOccasioned a famine of bread;The prophet, secure from the dearth,By ravens was constantly fed.
Stanza 2. More likely to rob than to feed,Were ravens who live upon prey;But when the Lord’s people have need,His goodness will find out a way:This instance to those may seem strange,Who know not how faith can prevail;But sooner all nature shall change,Than one of God’s promises fail.
Stanza 3. Nor is it a singular case,The wonder is often renewed;And many can say, to his praise,He sends them by ravens their food:Thus worldlings, though ravens indeed,Though greedy and selfish their mind,If God has a servant to feed,Against their own wills can be kind.
Stanza 4. Thus Satan, that raven unclean,Who croaks in the ears of the saints;Compelled by a power unseen,Administers oft to their wants:God teaches them how to find foodFrom all the temptations they feel;This raven, who thirsts for my blood,Has helped me to many a meal.
Stanza 5. How safe and how happy are theyWho on the good Shepherd rely!He gives them out strength for their day,Their wants he will surely supply:He ravens and lions can tame,All creatures obey his command;Then let me rejoice in his name,And leave all my cares in his hand.
Olney Hymns (1779), Book 1, Hymn 35. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/1-35
