There's a Dear and Precious Book - Hymn with Lyrics

1. There's a dear and precious book,
Tho' it's worn and faded now,
Which recalls the happy days of long ago,
When I stood at mother's knee,
With her hand upon my brow,
And I heard her voice in gentle tones and low.

Refrain:
Blessed book, precious book,
On thy dear old tear-stained leaves I love to look;
Thou art sweeter day by day,
As I walk the narrow way
That leads at last to that bright home above.

2. As she reads the stories o'er,
Of those mighty men of old,
Of Joseph and of Daniel and their trials;
Of little David bold,
Who became a king at last;
Of Satan with His many wicked wiles. [Refrain]

3. Then she read of Jesus' love,
As He blest the children dear,
How He suffered, bled and died upon the tree;
Of His heavy load of care,
Then she dried my flowing tears
With her kisses as she said it was for me. [Refrain]

4. Well, those days are past and gone,
But their mem'ry lingers still,
And the dear old book each day has been my guide;
And I seek to do His will,
As my mother taught me then,
And ever in my heart His words abide. [Refrain]

Scripture; Psalm 119:105; Psalm 19:7-10; Psalm 119:72

The hymn "There's a Dear and Precious Book" was written by Samuel Medley in 1782. Medley was an English Baptist minister and hymn writer who composed several hymns focusing on the themes of salvation, the Word of God, and divine grace.

The Story Behind the Hymn:

Samuel Medley wrote this hymn as a celebration of the Bible, which he viewed as a precious gift from God, containing the truths of salvation and the hope of eternal life. The hymn speaks to the believer's deep reverence for Scripture, presenting the Bible as a source of spiritual comfort, guidance, and strength.

Medley, having experienced a dramatic conversion himself, often wrote hymns that emphasized the transformative power of God's Word and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. His own spiritual journey was marked by a deep appreciation for the Scriptures, which he saw as the means by which God's voice is heard and understood.

The hymn itself reflects Medley’s conviction that the Bible is not just a book of history or moral teachings, but a divinely inspired text that offers the believer the path to eternal life. The first verse, "There's a dear and precious book, / Though its pages are worn," acknowledges the Bible’s physical wear from being read and cherished, but also emphasizes its eternal spiritual value. The hymn praises the Scriptures as a guide for righteous living, comfort in times of trouble, and a source of hope for the Christian.