ELIJAH AND THE RAVENS

To Cherith's distant brook,
Elijah's steps are bent;
An unfrequented nook,
But thither he is sent;
Safe from oppression's iron rod,
He holds communion with His God.

Methinks I see him look
Well-pleased with his retreat;
The Lord has blessed the brook,
And made its waters sweet;
God's blessing can and will refine,
And turn the water into wine.

The ravens bring him food,
By God's direction led ;
Their constant flight renewed,
They come with flesh and bread ;
Morning and evening, day by day,
Their burden at his feet they lay.

At length the drought prevails,
The little brook is dry ;
Elijah's spirit fails,
He sees destruction nigh ;
God speaks : " To Zidon's coasts repair,
A widow shall sustain thee there ".

God ever will supply
The objects of His love ;
He bids the raven fly,
Or sends the gentle dove ;
What He commands them, that they do,
And bring both food and raiment too.

Cheer up, desponding saints !
His providence and grace
Will banish your complaints,
As in Elijah's case ;
Long as the sun and moon endure,
Your bread and water shall be sure.

W. Brown.