Hymnal: The Christian Hymnal Revised
Date: 1882
Compiler: A I Hobbs et al
Publisher/Printer: Christian Publishing Co
First Line: This book is all that's left me now
Topic: Evening Hymns
Writer: G Morris
Composer: R Willis
Meter: CM double
Tune: Carol
Hymn Number: 399
Page Number: 139, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsTHIS book is all that's left me now;
Tears will unbidden start;
With falt'ring heart and throbbing brow
I press it to my heart.
For many generations past,
Here is our family tree;
My mother's hand this Bible clasp'd;
She, dying, gave it me.
Ah! well do I remember those
Whose name these records bear;
Who round the hearth-stone used to close,
Before the evening pray'r,
And tell of what those pages said
In terms my heart would thrill!
Though they are with the silent dead,
Here are they living still.
My father read this holy book
To brothers, sisters dear;
How calm was my poor mother's look,
Who lean'd God's word to hear!
Her angel face--I see it yet!
What thronging mem'ries come!
Again the little group is met
Within the walls of home.
Thou truest friend man ever knew,
Thy constancy I've tried;
Where all were false, I found thee true--
My counselor and guide.
The mines of earth no treasures give
That could this volume buy;
In teaching me the way to live,
It taught me how to die.