Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 24

24.
Samson's Lion.—Judges, xiv, 8.

1 The lion that on Samson roar'd,
And thirsted for his blood,
With honey afterwards was stored,
And furnish'd him with food.

2 Believers as they pass along
With many lions meet,
But gather sweetness from the strong,
And from the eater meat.

3 The lions rage and roar in vain,
For Jesus is their shield:
Their losses prove a certain gain,
Their troubles comfort yield.

4 The world and Satan join their strength,
To fill their souls with fears;
But crops of joy they reap at length
From what they sow in tears.

5 Afflictions make them love the word,
Stir up their hearts to prayer,
And many precious proofs afford
Of their Redeemer's care.

6 The lions roar but cannot kill;
Then fear them not, my friends;
They bring us, though against their will,
The honey Jesus sends.