The Word of God

Here is the spring where waters flow,
To quench our heat of sin;
Here is the tree where truth does grow
To lead our lives therein;

Here is the judge that stints the strife
When men's devices fail:
Here is the bread that feeds the life
Which death cannot assail.

The tidings of salvation dear
Comes to our ears from hence;
The fortress of our faith is here;
The shield of our defense.

Then be not like the swine that has
A pearl at his desire,
And takes more pleasure in the trough
And wallowing in the mire.

Read not this book in any case
But with a single eye:
Read not, but first desire God's grace,
To understand thereby.

Pray still in faith with this respect
To bear good fruit therein;
That knowledge may bring this effect,
To mortify thy sin.

Then happy you shall be in all your life,
What so to you befalls;
Yes, double happy you shall be
When GOD by death you calls.

-- From the first Bible printed in Scotland - 1576