The words
Stanza 1. Precious Bible! what a treasureDoes 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.
Stanza 2. FOOD to which the world’s a stranger,Here my hungry soul enjoysOf excess there is no danger,Though it fills, it never cloys:On a dying CHRIST I feed,He is meat and drink indeed.
Stanza 3. 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.
Stanza 4. In the hour of dark temptationSatan cannot make me yield;For the word of consolationIs to me a mighty SHIELDWhile the scripture–truths are sure,From his malice I’m secure.
Stanza 5. 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.
Stanza 6. Shall I envy then the miserDoting 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.
Olney Hymns (1779), Book 2, Hymn 63. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/2-63
