The manna favored Israel's meat

by John Newton

Manna hoarded by John Newton

The manna favored Israel's meat,

Was gathered day by day;

When all the host was served, the heat

Melted the rest away.

In vain to hoard it up they tried,

Against tomorrow came;

It then bred worms and putrefied,

And proved their sin and shame.

'Twas daily bread and would not keep,

But must be still renewed;

Faith should not want a hoard or heap,

But trust the LORD for food.

The truths by which the soul is fed,

Must thus be had afresh;

For notions resting in the head,

Will only feed the flesh.

However true, they have no life,

Or unction to impart;

They breed the worms of pride and strife,

But cannot cheer the heart.

Nor can the best experience past,

The life of faith maintain;

The brightest hope will faint at last,

Unless supplied again.

Dear Lord, while we in prayer are found,

Do thou the Manna give;

O! let it fall on all around,

That we may eat and live.