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Poem
August 18, 1859
Monmouth Weekly Herald
Freehold, Monmouth County, New Jersey
What is this article about?
A sentimental poem reflecting on the speaker's cherished family Bible, inherited from his dying mother, evoking memories of family prayers, the father's readings, and the book's guidance on life and death, composed in Litchfield on July 30, 1859.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
My Mother's Bible.
BY GEORGE P. MORRIS.
This book is all that's left me now;
Tears will unbidden start—
With faltering hand and throbbing brow
I press it to my heart.
For many generations past,
Here is my family tree:
My mother's hands this Bible clasped;
She, dying, gave it me.
Ah! well do I remember those
Whose names these records bear;
Who round the hearth-stone used to close
After the evening prayer,
And speak of what these pages said,
In tones my heart would thrill;
Though they are with the silent dead,
Here they are living still!
My father reads this holy book
To sisters, brothers dear;
How calm was my poor mother's look,
Who loved God's word to hear!
Her angel face—I see it set
What thrilling memories come!
And that little group is met
With the halls of home!
Thou truest friend man ever knew,
Thy constancy I've tried;
Where all were false I found thee true,
My counsellor and guide.
The mines of earth no treasure give
That could this volume buy:
In teaching me the way to live,
It taught me how to die.
Litchfield, July 30, 1859.
BY GEORGE P. MORRIS.
This book is all that's left me now;
Tears will unbidden start—
With faltering hand and throbbing brow
I press it to my heart.
For many generations past,
Here is my family tree:
My mother's hands this Bible clasped;
She, dying, gave it me.
Ah! well do I remember those
Whose names these records bear;
Who round the hearth-stone used to close
After the evening prayer,
And speak of what these pages said,
In tones my heart would thrill;
Though they are with the silent dead,
Here they are living still!
My father reads this holy book
To sisters, brothers dear;
How calm was my poor mother's look,
Who loved God's word to hear!
Her angel face—I see it set
What thrilling memories come!
And that little group is met
With the halls of home!
Thou truest friend man ever knew,
Thy constancy I've tried;
Where all were false I found thee true,
My counsellor and guide.
The mines of earth no treasure give
That could this volume buy:
In teaching me the way to live,
It taught me how to die.
Litchfield, July 30, 1859.
What sub-type of article is it?
Elegy
Hymn
What themes does it cover?
Death Mourning
Religious Faith
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Mothers Bible
Family Memories
Religious Guidance
Death Reflection
Holy Book
What entities or persons were involved?
By George P. Morris.
Poem Details
Title
My Mother's Bible.
Author
By George P. Morris.
Subject
Reflection On Family Bible And Memories
Form / Style
Rhymed Quatrains
Key Lines
This Book Is All That's Left Me Now; Tears Will Unbidden Start— With Faltering Hand And Throbbing Brow I Press It To My Heart.
Though They Are With The Silent Dead, Here They Are Living Still!
In Teaching Me The Way To Live, It Taught Me How To Die.