The Meal and Cruse of Oil

I

By the poor widow’s oil and meal
  Elijah was sustain’d;
Though small the stock, it lasted well,
  For God the store maintain’d.

II

It seem’d as if from day to day
  They were to eat and die;
But still, though in a secret way,
  He sent a fresh supply.

III

Thus to his poor He still will give
  Just for the present hour;
But for to-morrow they must live
  Upon his word and power.

IV

No barn or storehouse they possess
  On which they can depend;
Yet have no cause to fear distress,
  For Jesus is their Friend,

V

Then let not doubts your mind assail;
  Remember God has said,
“The cruse and barrel shall not fail⁠—
  My people shall be fed.”

VI

And thus, though faint it often seems,
  He keeps their grace alive;
Supplied by his refreshing streams,
  Their dying hopes revive.

VII

Though in ourselves we have no stock,
  The Lord is nigh to save;
His door flies open when we knock,
  And ’tis but ask and have.