For the Poor

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.

Olney Hymns, William Cowper, from Cowper’s Poems, Sheldon & Company, New York