The Incomparable Treasure
This is a short prayer taken from the front matter of a Geneva Bible, these began to appear in 1578 in most Geneva Bibles.
OF THE INCOMPARABLE TREASURE OF THE HOLY SCRIPTURES, WITH A PRAYER FOR THE TRUE USE OF THE SAME.
Here is the Spring where waters flow,
to quench our heat of sin: (Isa 12:3 & 49:10; Rev 21:16 & 22:17)
Here is the Tree where truth doth grow,
to lead our lives therein: (Jer 33:15; Psa 119:160)
Here is the Judge that stints the strife,
when men's devices fail: (Rev 2:7 & 22:2; Psa 119:142,144)
Here is the Bread that feeds the life,
that death cannot assail. (John 6:35)
The tidings of Salvation dear,
comes to our ears from hence: (Luke 2:10)
The fortress of our Faith is here,
and shield of our defence. (Eph 6:16)
Then be not like the hog,
that hath a pearl at his desire, (Mat 7:6)
And takes more pleasure of the trough
and wallowing in the mire. (2 Pet 2:22)
Read not this book, in any case,
but with a single eye: (Mat 6:22)
Read not, but first desire God's grace,
to understand thereby. (Psa 119:27,73)
Pray still in faith, with this respect,
to fructify therein, (Jude 20)
That knowledge may bring this effect,
to mortify thy sin. (Psa 119:11)
Then happy thou, in all thy life,
whatso to thee befalls: (Josh 1:8)
Yea, double happy shalt thou be,
when God by death thee calls. (Psa 1:1,2 & 94:12,13)
O Gracious God and most merciful Father, which hast vouchsafed us the rich and precious jewel of thy holy Word, assist us with thy Spirit, that it may be written in our hearts to our everlasting comfort, to reform us, to renew us according to thine own image, to build us up, and edify us into the perfect building of thy Christ, sanctifying and increasing in us all heavenly virtues. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.