The Word more precious than Gold

The Word more precious than Gold

- a hymn by John Newton-

Precious Bible! what a treasure
Does the word of God afford!
All I want for life and pleasure,
FOOD and MEDICINE, 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 MEDICINES here I find:
To the promises I flee,
Each affords a remedy.

In the hour of dark temptations
Satan cannot make me yield;
For the word of consolation
Is to me a mighty SHIELD:
While the Scripture-truths are sure,
From this malice I'm secure.

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.

Shall I envy then the miser,
Doating 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.

Psalms 19:8-11