The Meal and Cruse of Oil

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.