The Word more precious than Gold

1. PRECIOUS Bible! what a treasure
   Does the word of God afford!
   All I want for life or pleasure
   FOOD and MEDICINE, SHIELD and SWORD.
   Let the world account me poor,
   Having this I need no more.
2. FOOD to which the world’s a stranger,
   Here my hungry soul enjoys;
   Of excess there is no danger,
   Though it fills, it never cloy’s:
   On a dying Christ I feed,
   He is meat and drink indeed!

3. When my faith is faint and sickly,
   Or when Satan wounds my mind,
   Cordials to revive me quickly,
   Healing MEDICINES here I find:
   To the promises I flee,
   Each affords a remedy.

4. 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.

5. Vain his threats to overcome me,
   When I take the Spirit’s 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.

6. 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 MEDICINE, SHIELD and SWORD.

J. Newton