Book II · Hymn 19 · Elijah's Mantle

John Newton

Elisha, struck with grief and awe,
Cried, "Ah! where now is Israel's stay?"
When he his honored master saw
Borne by a fiery carr away.
But while be looked a last adieu,
His mantle, as it fell, he caught;
The Spirit rested on him too,
And equal miracles he wrought.
"Where is Elijah's GOD," he cried,
And with the mantle smote the flood;
His word controlled the swelling tide,
Th' obedient waters upright stood.
The wonder-working gospel, thus
From hand to hand, has been conveyed
We have the mantle still with us,
But where, O where, the Spirit's aid?

When Peter first this mantle waved,
Acts 2

How soon it melted hearts of steel!
Sinners, by thousands, then were saved,
But now how few its virtues feel?
Where is Elijah's GOD, the LORD,
Thine Israel's hope, and joy, and boast!
Reveal thine arm, confirm thy word,
Give us another Pentecost!
Assist thy messenger to speak,
And while he aims to lisp thy truth,
The bonds of sin and Satan break,
And pour thy blessing on our youth.
For them we now approach thy throne,
Teach them to know and love thy name,
Then shall thy thankful people own

Elijah's God is still the same.

HYMNS after Sermons to young people, on new-years evenings, suited to the subjects.