49.
A Famine of the Word.
1 GLADNESS was spread through Isr el s host
When first they manna view d ;
They labour d who should gather most,
And thought it pleasant food.
2 But when they had it long enjoy d,
From day to day the same,
Their hearts were by the plenty cloy d,
Although from heav n it came.
3 Thus gospel-bread at first is prized,
And makes a people glad ;
But afterwards too much despised
When easy to be had.
4 But should the Lord, displeased, withhold
The bread his mercy sends,
To have our houses fill d with gold
Would make but poor amends.
5 How tedious would the week appear,
How dull the Sabbath prove,
Could we no longer meet to hear
The precious truths we love !
6 How would believing parents bear
To leave their heedless youth
Exposed to every fatal snare,
Without the light of truth ?
7 The gospel, and a praying few,
Our bulwark long have proved ;
But Olney sure the day will rue
When these shall be removed.
8 Then sin, in this once favour d town,
Will triumph unrestrain d;
And wrath and vengeance hasten down,
No more by pray r detain d.
9 Preserve us from this judgment, Lord,
For Jesus sake, we plead;
A famine of the gospel-word
Would be a stroke indeed !
