John Newton & William Cowper · 17 of 356

16. The manna favored Israel’s meat

Hymn 16

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.