The manna favored Isr'l's meat

1 The manna, favored Israel's meat,
Was gathered, day by day;
When all the host was served, the heat
Melted the rest away.

2 In vain to hoard it up, they tried,
Against tomorrow came;
It then bred worms and putrified,
And proved their sin and shame.

3 'Twas daily bread, and would not keep,
But must be still renewed:
Faith should not want a hoard or heap,
Must trust the Lord for food.

4 The truths by which the soul is fed,
Must thus be had afresh;
For notions, resting in the head,
Will only feed the flesh.

5 However true, they give no life,
Nor unction do impart;
They breed the worms of pride and strife,
But cannot cheer the heart.

6 Nor can the best experience past,
The life of faith maintain;
The brightest hope will faint at last,
Unless revived again.

7 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.

Source: A Selection of Christian Hymns #16