Wanna Be a Steader!

MY MOTHER'S BIBLE

My Mother's Bible

(from McGuffey's 5th Reader)

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 me.

Ah! well do I remember those

Whose names these records bear;

Who round the hearthstone used to close,

After the evening prayer,

And speak of what these pages said

In tones 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 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!

Thou truest friend man ever knew,

Thy constancy I've tried;

When 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.

~~George P. Morris

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Untitled Comment

12:11, 2006-Aug-12 .. Posted by thatday

My mother told me about finding her mother's Bible many years ago and how it was being so abused. But, now I do not know what happened to it.
However, I do have her Bible and as I read some of the comments she wrote in it, I am amazed to learn how very deep her faith really was. I knew she was a believer, but did not realize how very deep and precious her relationship was with her God.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful poem.
Barb

This is . . .

12:23, 2006-Aug-12 .. Posted by Jonash2004

the kind of legacy to leave your children! thanks for the reminder!!!

Great Reading

10:47, 2006-Aug-14 .. Posted by teapots66

Hi, Kim - I wish I had a set of McGuffy's. Great stuff in there. - Chris