Hymns

The Shunemite, oppressed with grief,

by John Newton·1779·Meter 8.8.8.8 (LM)

Based on 2 Ki 4:31

1

The Shunemite, oppressed with grief,
When she had lost the son she loved,
Went to Elisha for relief,
Nor vain her application proved.

2

He sent his servant on before
To lay a staff upon his head;
This he could do, but do no more,
He left him, as he found him, dead.

3

But when the LORD'S almighty pow'r
Wrought with the prophet's prayer, and faith,
The mother saw a joyful hour,
She saw her child restored from death.

4

Thus, like the weeping Shunemite,
For many, dead in sin we grieve;
Now, LORD, display thine arm of might,
Cause them to hear thy voice and live.

5

Thy preachers bear the staff in vain,
Though at thine own command we go;
LORD, we have tried, and tried again,
We find them dead, and leave them so.

6

Come then thyself-to every heart
The glory of thy name make known;
The means are our appointed part,
The pow'r and grace are thine alone.

New-Year, before sermons