Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 35

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35.
Elijah fed by Ravens.[1]—1 Kings, xvii, 6.

1 Elijah's example declares,
Whatever distress may betide,
The saints may commit all their cares
To Him who will surely provide:
When rain long withheld from the earth
Occasion'd a famine of bread,
The prophet, secured from the dearth,
By ravens was constantly fed.

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 be strange
Who know not how faith can prevail;
But sooner all nature shall change
Than one of God's promises fail.

3 Nor is it a singular case
The wonder is often renew'd;
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.

4 Thus Satan, that raven unclean,
Who croaks in the ears of the saints,
Compell'd by a Power unseen,
Administers oft to their wants:
God teaches them how to find food
From all the temptations they feel;
This raven, who thirsts for my blood,
Has help'd me to many a meal.

5 How safe and how happy are they
Who 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.

  1. ↑ Book iii, Hymn 47.
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