Old quote on The Bible

THIS BOOK contains
the mind of God,
the state of man,
the way of salvation,
the doom of sinners
and the happiness of believers.

Its doctrines are holy,
its precepts are binding,
its histories are true,
and its decisions are immutable.

Read it to be wise,
believe it to be safe
and practise it to be holy.

It contains
light to direct you,
food to support you
and comfort to cheer you.

It is
the traveller’s map,
the pilgrim’s staff,
the pilot’s compass,
the soldier’s sword
and the Christian’s charter.

Here
paradise is restored,
heaven opened
and the gates of hell disclosed.

Christ is its grand object,
our good is its design
and the glory of God its end.

It should
fill the memory,
rule the heart,
and guide the feet.

Read it
slowly,
frequently,
and prayerfully.

It is
a mine of wealth,
a paradise of glory,
and a river of pleasure.

It is given you in life,
will be opened in the judgement,
and will be remembered forever.

It involves the highest responsibility,
will reward the greatest labour,
and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.