Olney Hymn 52: For The Poor

By William Cowper

When Hagar found the bottle spent

And wept o'er Ishmael,

A message from the Lord was sent

To guide her to a well.

Should not Elijah's cake and cruse

Convince us at this day,

A gracious God will not refuse

Provisions by the way?

His saints and servants shall be fed,

The promise is secure;

"Bread shall be given them," as He said,

"Their water shall be sure."

Repasts far richer they shall prove,

Than all earth's dainties are;

'Tis sweet to taste a Saviour's love,

Though in the meanest fare.

To Jesus then your trouble bring,

Nor murmur at your lot;

While you are poor and He is King,

You shall not be forgot.

(To guide her to a well...): Genesis xxi.19.(Should not Elijah's cake and cruse...): 1 Kings xvii.14.("Their water shall be sure."): Isaiah xxxiii.16.