Elijah's example declares

ELIJAH fed by ravens(s) by John Newton


 * 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
 * Occasioned a famine of bread;
 * The prophet, secure from the dearth,
 * By ravens was constantly fed.


 * 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.


 * 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.


 * 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 food
 * From all the temptations they feel;
 * This raven, who thirsts for my blood,
 * Has helped me to many a meal.


 * 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.