Like a compass on the sea, like a star on azure deep,
Is the Bible unto me, for my course it safely keeps;
Tells me how I strayed and fell, how in sin I lay as dead,
But I live its power to tell, blessèd book my mother read.

Refrain

Precious book! O wondrous book! Who can tell its power divine?
Bearing news of grace so free, book of books, I claim it mine.

Like a lamp in darkest night, shining on my pathway lone,
Now and then upon my sight, shows a vision of my home;
So this book my spirit cheers, when all other hopes are fled,
Balm and comfort for my fears, is the book my mother read.

Refrain

Like a guest from realms above, soothing all one’s pain and pang,
How it thrills with Jesus’ love, like some song the angels sang;
Tells me how my Savior came, how for me His blood was shed;
I will read it o’er again—blessèd book my mother read.

Refrain