Read Aloud w/ ZEAL

THE BIBLE

This is the greatest Book on earth.

Unparalleled it stands.

Its author - God. Its truth - divine.

Inspired in every word and line

Though written by human hands.

This is the volume of the cross.

Its saving truth is sure.

Its doctrine - pure. Its history - true.

Its gospel - old, but ever new

Shall evermore endure.

This is the solid Rock of truth

Which all attacks defy.

O'er every stormy blast of time

It towers with majesty sublime.

It lives and never dies.

Though the cover is worn

And pages are torn

And places bear traces of tears,

Yet more precious than gold

Is this Book worn and old

That can shatter and scatter my fears.

When I prayerfully look

In this Blessed old Book

Many pleasures and treasures I see.

There are promises of life

From the Father above

Who is nearest and dearest to me.

This Book is my Guide.

`Tis a Friend by my side.

It will lighten and brighten my way.

And each promise I find

Soothes and gladdens my mind

As I teach it and preach it each day.

To this Book I will cling,

Of its worth I will sing

Though great losses and crosses be mine

For I cannot despair

Though surrounded by care

While possessing this blessing divine.

I see my Lord in the Bible

Whenever I chance to look.

He's the Theme of the Bible,

The Center and Heart of the Book.

He's the Rose of Sharon,

The Lily - fair.

Whenever I open the Bible,

The Lord of the Bible is there.

He, in the Book's beginning,

Gave the earth its form.

He's the Ark of safety

To bear the brunt of the storm.

The burning Bush in the desert,

The Budding of Aaron's rod,

Whenever I open the Bible

I see the Son of God.

The Lamb upon Mount Moriah,

The Ladder from earth to sky,

The scarlet Cord in the window,

The Serpent lifted high.

The Smitten Rock in the desert

The Shepherd with staff and crook,

Whenever I open the Bible

I see my Lord in the Book.

He's the Seed of the woman,

The Saviour - virgin born.

He's the Son of David

Whom men rejected with scorn.

The Lord of eternal Glory

Whom John the apostle saw,

The Light of the celestial city,

The Lamb without spot or flaw,

The Bridegroom coming at midnight

For Whom His people look.

The face of my Lord I discover

Whenever I open the Book.

When childhood needs a leader

Or youth a beacon light,

And when sorrow cries for comfort

And weakness cries for might,

Bring forth the holy Bible.

The Bible, there it stands,

Resolving all of life's problems

And meeting its demands.

Though sophistry conceal it

The Bible - there it stands.

Though Pharisees profane it,

Its influence expands.

It fills our life with fragrance

And brightens all of days.

It lifts our eyes toward Heaven

And gives Him all the praise.

Heed the glad tidings,

The warnings and chidings

Found in this volume of Heavenly store

With faith that's prevailing,

And love that's unfailing,

Trust in its promises for life evermore.

Therefore, think of it carefully.

Study it prayerfully

Deep in thine heart let its oracles dwell.

Ponder its mystery,

Slight not its history.

None can e'er love it too fondly or well.

- Author Unknown