276    8s     John Newton
The Care God takes of his People. 1 Kings 17. 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
  Occasioned 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, which 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 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 commands!
  Then let us rejoice in his name,
  And leave all our cares in his hands.