Scripture Verse

The disciples had forgotten to take bread, neither had they in the ship with them more than one loaf. Mark 8:14

Introduction

portrait
John Newton
1725–1807

Words: John New­ton, Ol­ney Hymns (Lon­don: W. Ol­iv­er, 1779), Book 1, num­ber 94.

Music: Ab­er­deen pos­si­bly by An­drew Tait, in James Chal­mers’ un­ti­tled col­lect­ion, 1749. Me­lo­dy from Ru­di­ments of Mu­sic, by Ro­bert Brem­ner, 1756 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Lyrics

When the disciples crossed the lake
With but one loaf on board;
How strangely did their hearts mistake
The caution of their Lord.

The leaven of the Pharisees
Beware,
the Savior said;
They thought, it is because He sees
We have forgotten bread.

It seems they have forgotten, too,
What their own eyes had viewed;
How with what scarce sufficed for few,
He fed a multitude.

If five small loaves, by His command,
Could many thousands serve;
Might they not trust His gracious hand,
That they should never starve?

They oft His power and love had known,
And doubtless were to blame;
But we have reason good to own
That we are just the same.

How often has He brought relief,
And every want supplied!
Yet soon, again, our unbelief,
Says, Can the Lord provide?

Be thankful for one loaf today,
Though that be all your store;
Tomorrow, if you trust and pray,
Shall timely bring you more.