Plenty in the Time of Dearth

I

My soul once had its plenteous years,
And throve, with peace and comfort fill’d,
Like the fat kine and ripen’d ears
Which Pharaoh in his dream beheld.

II

With pleasing frames and grace received,
With means and ordinances fed,
How happy for a while I lived,
And little fear’d the want of bread!

III

But famine came, and left no sign
Of all the plenty I had seen;
Like the dry ears and half-starved kine,
I then look’d wither’d, faint, and lean.

IV

To Joseph the Egyptians went;
To Jesus I made known my case:
He, when my little stock was spent,
Open’d his magazine of grace.

V

For he the time of dearth foresaw,
And made provision long before;
That famish’d souls, like me, might draw
Supplies from his unbounded store.

VI

Now on his bounty I depend,
And live from fear of dearth secure:
Maintain’d by such a mighty friend,
I cannot want till he is poor.

VII

O sinners, hear his gracious call!
His mercy’s door stands open wide;
He has enough to feed you all,
And none who come shall be denied.