The Creatures in the Lord’s Hands

I

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.

II

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.

III

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.

IV

Thus creatures only can fulfill
Their great Creator’s holy will;
And when his servants need their aid,
His purposes must be obey’d.

V

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.

VI

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.

VII

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.