How charmingly Pleasing
1, How charmingly pleasing the fond recollection.
Of youthful emotions and innocent joy,
When blessed with parental advice and affection,
Surrounded with mercy and peace from on high.
I still view the chairs of my father and mother,
The seats of their offspring, as ranged on each hand,
And the richest of books, which excels every other
The family Bible that lay on the stand:
Chorus:
The old-fashioned Bible, the dear blessed Bible,
The family Bible that lay on the stand.
2. The Bible, that volume of God's inspiration,
At morning and ev'ning would yield delight;
The prayers of our father, a sweet invocation,
For mercy by day, and for safety by night.
O, hymns of thanksgiving, with harmon'ous sweetness,
As warmed by the hearts of the family band,
Hath raised us from earth to that rapturous dwelling,
Described in the Bible that lay on the stand.
3, Ye scenes of enjoyment, long have we been parted,
My hopes almost gone, and my parents no more;
In sorrow and sadness I live broken-hearted,
And wander alone on a far-distant shore.
O, why should I doubt a dear Savior's protection,
Forgetful of gifts from his bountiful hand?
O, let me with patience receive His correction,
And think of the Bible that lay on the stand.
4. Though age and misfortune press hard on my feelings
I'll flee to the Bible and trust in the Lord;
Though darkness should cover his merciful dealings,
My soul is still cheered by His heavenly word.
And now from things earthly my soul is removing,
I shall soon be in glory with heav'n's bright band,
And in rapture of joy be forever adoring
The God of the Bible that lay on the stand.
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