The Hymnbook ‎#248

248. 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 his 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 Spirit who protects us.
Light of knowledge, ever burning,
Shed on us thy deathless learning.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Book of books, our people's strength
• Title: Book of Books, Our People's Strength
• Author: Percy Dearmer (1925)
• Meter: 7. 8. 7. 8. 8. 8.
• Publication Date: 1955
• Scripture:
  Romans 15:4
  ;
  Hebrews 1:1-3
• Topic: Art and Literature; Bible, The; Scriptures, The Holy
• Copyright: Words from Songs of Praise. Used by permission of Oxford University Press.

Tune Information

• Name: LIEBSTER JESU
• Composer: Johann Rudolph Ahle (1664)
• Arranger: Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
• Meter: 7. 8. 7. 8. 8. 8.
• Key: G Major