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 given 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 Savior’s love,
Though 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.
Source: The Cyber Hymnal #7392
William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper"; b. Berkampstead, Hertfordshire, England, 1731; d. East Dereham, Norfolk, England, 1800) is regarded as one of the best early Romantic poets. To biographers he is also known as "mad Cowper." His literary talents produced some of the finest English hymn texts, but his chronic depression accounts for the somber tone of many of those texts. Educated to become an attorney, Cowper was called to the bar in 1754 but never practiced law. In 1763 he had the opportunity to become a clerk for the House of Lords, but the dread of the required public examination triggered his tendency to depression, and he attempted suicide. His subsequent hospitalization and friendship with Morley and Mary Unwin provided emotional st… Go to person page >
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