He gives them out strength for their day,
Their wants he will surely supply :
He ravens and lions can tame,
All creatures obey his command ;
Then let me rejoice in his name,
And leave all my cares in his hand.
36.
The Meal and Cruse of Oil.—1 Kings, xvii, 16."
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 power.
4 No barn or storehouse they possess
On which they can depend ;
Yet have no cause to fear distress,
For Jesus is their Friend,
5 Then let not doubts your mind assail ;
Remember God has said,
" The cruse and barrel shall not fail,
My people shall be fed."
6 And thus, though faint it often seems,
He keeps their grace alive ;
Supplied 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.