For the Poor

“For the Poor” was written by William Cowper (1731-1800). It was published the Olney Hymns (1779, Book 3, Hymn 57). It contains 5 stanzas of 4 lines in Common Meter. In The Primitive Baptist Hymnal: a Choice Collection of Hymns and Tunes of Early and Late Composition, Sears and Ausmus printed it under W. R. Havergal’s Evan.
 
1. When Hagar found the bottle spent,
And wept o’er Ishmael;
A message from the Lord was sent
To guide her to a well.
 
2. Should not Elijah’s cake and cruse
Convince us at this day,
A gracious God will not refuse
Provisions by the way?
 
3. His saints and servants shall be fed,
The promise is secure;
“Bread shall be giv’n them,” he has said,
“Their water shall be sure.”
 
4. Repasts far richer they shall prove
Than all earth’s dainties are;
’Tis sweet to taste a Saviour’s love,
Tho’ in the meanest fare.
 
5. To Jesus then your trouble bring,
Nor murmur at your lot;
While you art poor, and he is king,
You shall not be forgot.