The Hymnal 1982 ‎#631

631. Book of books, our people's strength

1 Book of books, our people's strength,
statesman's, teacher's, hero's treasure,
bringing freedom, spreading truth,
shedding light that none can measure:
wisdom comes to those who know thee,
all the best we have we owe thee.

2 Thank we those who toiled in thought,
many diverse scrolls completing,
poets, prophets, scholars, saints,
each a word from God repeating;
till they came, who told the story
of the Word, and showed his glory.

3 Praise we God, who hath inspired
those whose wisdom still directs us;
praise him for the Word made flesh,
for the Sprit which protects us.
Light of knowledge, ever burning,
shed on us thy deathless learning.

Text Information

• First Line: Book of books, our people's strength
• Author: Percy Dearmer, 1867-1936
• Meter: 78. 78. 88
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1985
• Topic: Holy Scripture
• Copyright: By permission of Oxford University Press.
• Notes: Now Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: LIEBSTER JESU
• Composer (melody): Johann Rudolph Ahle, 1625-1673
• Harmonizer: George Herbert Palmer, 1846-1926
• Meter: 78. 78. 88
• Key: G Major