I Love the Sacred Book

1I love the sacred book of God,
No other can its place supply;
It points me to the saints' abode,
And bids me from destruction fly.

2Sweet book! in thee my eyes discern The image of my absent Lord;
From thy instructive page I learn The joys His presence will afford.

3But while I'm here, thou shalt supply His place, and tell me of His love;
I'll read with faith's discerning eye,
And thus partake of joys above.

4Within thy sacred lids is found A transcript of my Maker's will;
Treasures of knowledge here abound,
The deepest, loftiest mind to fill.

5Light of the world, thy beams impart,
To lead my feet through life's dark way;
O, shine on this benighted heart,
Nor let me from thy guidance stray.