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.