My Mother's Bible

1 This book is all that's left me now,
Tears will unbidden start;
With faltering lip and throbbing brow,
I press it to my heart;
For many generations past
Here is our family tree;
My mother's hands this Bible clasped;
She, dying, gave it to me.

2 Ah! well do I remember those
Whose names these records bear;
Who round the hearth stone used to close,
After the evening prayer,
And speak of what these pages said,
In tones my heart would thrill!
Tho' they are with the silent dead
Yet are they living still.

3 My father read this holy book
To brothers, sisters, dear;
How calm was my poor mother's look,
Who loved God's word to hear.
Her angel face I see it yet!
What thronging memories come!
Again that little group is met,
Within the walls of home.

4 Thou truest friend man ever knew,
Thy constancy I've tried;
When all were false I've found thee true
My counsellor 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.

Source: The Seventh-Day Adventist Hymn and Tune Book: for use in divine worship #1410

• MIDI file from The Cyber Hymnal #4288