Page:Olney Hymns - 1840.djvu/236

232 1 GLADNESS was spread through Isr el s host When first they manna view d ; They labour d who should gather most, And thought it pleasant food.

2 But when they had it long enjoy d, From day to day the same, Their hearts were by the plenty cloy d, Although from heav n it came.

3 Thus gospel-bread at first is prized, And makes a people glad ; But afterwards too much despised When easy to be had.

4 But should the Lord, displeased, withhold The bread his mercy sends, To have our houses fill d with gold Would make but poor amends.

5 How tedious would the week appear, How dull the Sabbath prove, Could we no longer meet to hear The precious truths we love !

6 How would believing parents bear To leave their heedless youth Exposed to every fatal snare, Without the light of truth ?

7 The gospel, and a praying few, Our bulwark long have proved ; But Olney sure the day will rue When these shall be removed.

8 Then sin, in this once favour d town, Will triumph unrestrain d; And wrath and vengeance hasten down, No more by pray r detain d.

9 Preserve us from this judgment, Lord, For Jesus sake, we plead; A famine of the gospel-word Would be a stroke indeed !