Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

The lion that on Sampson roared

John Newton · 1779

Source: Olney Hymns

Stanza 1

The lion that on Sampson roared,
And thirsted for his blood;
With honey afterwards was stored,
And furnished him with food.

Stanza 2

Believers, as they pace along,
With many lions meet;
But gather sweetness from the strong,
And from the eater, meat.

Stanza 3

The lions rage and roar in vain,
For Jesus is their shield;
Their losses prove a certain gain,
Their troubles comfort yield.

Stanza 4

The world and Satan join their strength,
To fill their souls with fears;
But crops of joy they reap at length,
From what they sow in tears.

Stanza 5

Afflictions make them love the word,
Stir up their hearts to prayer;
And many precious proofs afford,
Of their Redeemer's care.

Stanza 6

The lions roar but cannot kill,
Then fear them not, my friends,
They bring us, though against their will,
The honey JESUS sends.