There appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into Heaven. And Elisha saw it, and he cried,
2 Kings 2:11–14My father, my father, the chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof.
And he saw him no more: and he took hold of his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan. And he took the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and smote the waters, and said, Where is the Lord God of Elijah?
and when he also had smitten the waters, they parted hither and thither: and Elisha went over.
Words: John Newton, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), Book 2, number 19. Elisha’s mantle.
Music: Baptism Peter C. Lutkin (1858–1931) (🔊 pdf nwc).
Elisha, struck with grief and awe,
Cried, Ah! where now is Israel’s stay?
When he his honored master saw
Borne by a fiery car away.
But while he 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,
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.