Scripture Verse

The opening of Thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Psalm 119:130

Introduction

Words: Pris­cil­la J. Ow­ens, in Hap­py Voic­es for Sun­day School, 1883.

Music: Cag­li­a­ri Ed­mund S. Lo­renz (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Ow­ens (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Edmund S. Lorenz (1854–1942)

Lyrics

Give me the Bi­ble, star of gladness gleaming,
To cheer the wand’rer lone and tempest tossed;
No storm can hide that radiance peaceful beaming,
Since Je­sus came to seek and save the lost.

Refrain

Give me the Bi­ble, holy message shining;
Thy light shall guide me in the narrow way;
Precept and promise, law and love combining,
Till night shall vanish in eter­nal day.

Give me the Bi­ble, when my heart is broken,
When sin and grief have filled my soul with fear;
Give me the precious words by Je­sus spoken,
Hold up faith’s lamp to show my Sav­ior near.

Refrain

Give me the Bi­ble, all my steps enlighten,
Teach me the danger of these realms below;
That lamp of safety o’er the gloom shall brighten,
That light alone the path of peace can show.

Refrain

Give me the Bi­ble, lamp of life immortal,
Hold up that splendor by the open grave;
Show me the light from Hea­ven’s shining portal,
Show me the glo­ry gilding Jordan’s wave.

Refrain