Here Is the Spring Where Waters Flow

The following hymn lyrics were originally published in the Barker’s Bible in 1594. They testify of the value and sufficiency of Scripture, which is our daily bread.

Here is the spring where waters flow,
      To quench our heat of sin;
Here is the tree where truth doth grow
      To lead our lives therein;
Here is the judge that stints the strife
      When men’s devises 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 defence.
Then be not like the hog that hath
       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 fructify therein;
That knowledge may bring this effect,
      To mortify thy sin.
Then happy thou in all thy life,
      What so to thee befalls;
Yea, doubly happy shalt thou be
      When GOD by death thee calls.

[Hymn from the Barker’s Bible, 1594]

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