Book II · Hymn 73 · On the Death of a Minister

William Cowper

On the death of a minister.
His master taken from his head,
Elisha saw him go;
And, in desponding accents said,
"Ah, what must Israel do!"
But he forgot the LORD, who lifts
The beggar to the throne;
Nor knew, that all Elijah's gifts
Would soon be made his own.
What! when a Paul has run his course,
Or when Apollos dies;
Is Israel left without resource?
And have we no supplies?
Yes, while the dear Redeemer lives,
We have a boundless store;
And shall be fed with what he gives,

Who lives for evermore.