John Newton 8,7,8,7,7,7 The word more precious than gold. Precious Bible! what a treasure Does the word of God afford? All I want for life or pleasure, FOOD and MED'CINE, SHIELD and SWORD: Let the world account me poor, Having this I need no more. FOOD to which the world's a stranger, Here my hungry soul enjoys Of excess there is no danger, Though it fills, it never cloys: On a dying CHRIST I feed, He is meat and drink indeed. When my faith is faint and sickly, Or when Satan wounds my mind, Cordials, to revive me quickly, Healing MED'CINES here I find: To the promises I flee, Each affords a remedy. In the hour of dark temptation Satan cannot make me yield; For the word of consolation Is to me a mighty SHIELD While the scripture-truths are sure, From his malice I'm secure. Vain his threats to overcome me, When I take the Spirits' SWORD; Then with ease I drive him from me. Satan trembles at the word: 'Tis a sword for conquest made, Keen the edge, and strong the blade. Shall I envy then the miser Doting on his golden store? Sure I am, or should be, wiser, I am Rich, 'tis he is Poor: JESUS gives me in his word, FOOD and MED'CINE, SHIELD and SWORD. |