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274 1 water stood like walls of brass, To let the sons of Isr'el pass, And from the rock in rivers burst, At Moses pray'r, to quench their thirst.

2 The fire, restrain d by God's commands, Could only burn his people's bands; Too faint, when he was with them there, To singe their garments or their hair.

3 At Daniel's feet the lions lay Like harmless lambs, nor touch d their prey; And ravens, which on carrion fed, Procured Elijah flesh and bread.

4 Thus creatures only can fulfill Their great Creator's holy will; And when his servants need their aid, His purposes must be obey'd.

5 So, if his blessing he refuse, Their pow'r to help they quickly lose; Sure as on creatures we depend, Our hopes in disappointment end.

6 Then let us trust the Lord alone, And creature-confidence disown: Nor if they threaten need we fear, They cannot hurt if he be near.

7 If instruments of pain they prove, Still they are guided by his love; As lancets by the surgeon's skill, Which wound to cure, and not to kill.

1 slumber seals our weary eyes, The busy fancy wakeful keeps; The scenes which then before us rise Prove something in us never sleeps.