But One Loaf

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When the disciples crossed the lake

Author: John Newton
Tune: ST. PAUL (Chalmers' Collection)
Published in 1 hymnal

Printable scores: PDF, Noteworthy Composer
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

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

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

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

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

5 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.

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

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

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #11909

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Author: John Newton

John Newton (b. London, England, 1725; d. London, 1807) was born into a Christian home, but his godly mother died when he was seven, and he joined his father at sea when he was eleven. His licentious and tumultuous sailing life included a flogging for attempted desertion from the Royal Navy and captivity by a slave trader in West Africa. After his escape he himself became the captain of a slave ship. Several factors contributed to Newton's conversion: a near-drowning in 1748, the piety of his friend Mary Catlett, (whom he married in 1750), and his reading of Thomas à Kempis' Imitation of Christ. In 1754 he gave up the slave trade and, in association with William Wilberforce, eventually became an ardent abolitionist. After becoming a tide… Go to person page >

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Text Information

Text Information

First Line:	When the disciples crossed the lake
Title:	But One Loaf
Author:	John Newton
Meter:	8.6.8.6
Source:	Olney Hymns (London, W. Oliver, 1779), Book 1
Language:	English
Copyright:	Public Domain