The signs which God to Gideon gave

GIDEON's fleece by John Newton


 * The signs which GOD to Gideon gave,
 * His holy Sovereignty made known;
 * That He alone has pow'r to save,
 * And claims the glory as his own.


 * The dew which first the fleece had filled,
 * When all the earth was dry around;
 * Was from it afterwards withheld,
 * And only fell upon the ground.


 * To Israel thus the heavenly dew
 * Of saving truth was long restrained;
 * Of which the Gentiles nothing knew,
 * But dry and desolate remained.


 * But now the Gentiles have received
 * The balmy dew of gospel peace
 * And Israel, who his spirit grieved,
 * Is left a dry and empty fleece.


 * This dew still falls at his command,
 * To keep his chosen plants alive;
 * They shall, though in a thirsty land,
 * Like willows by the waters thrive.


 * But chiefly when his people meet,
 * To hear his word and seek his face;
 * The gentle dew, with influence sweet,
 * Descends and nourishes their grace.


 * But ah! what numbers still are dead,
 * Though under means of grace they lie!
 * The dew still falling round their head,
 * And yet their heart untouched and dry.


 * Dear Savior, hear us when we call,
 * To wrestling prayer an answer give;
 * Pour down thy dew upon us all,
 * That all may feel, and all may live.