The Meal and Cruise of Oil

1 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.

2 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.

3 Thus to his poor he still will give
Just for the present hour;
But for to-morrow they must live
Upon his word and pow'r.

4 No barn or store-house they possess,
On which they can depend;
Yet have no cause to fear distress,
For Jesus is their friend.

5 Then let no doubt your mind assail,
Remember, God has said,
"The cruise and barrel shall not fail,
"My people shall be fed."

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

7 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.

Hymns and Spiritual Songs for the use of Christians, 1803