97.
The Creatures in the Lord s hands.
1 The 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.
98.
On Dreaming.
1 When slumber seals our weary eyes,
The busy fancy wakeful keeps;
The scenes which then before us rise
Prove something in us never sleeps.
