book of books

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.

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.

praise we god, who hath inspired
those whose wisdom still directs us;
praise him for the word made flesh,
for the spirit which protects us.
light of knowledge, ever burning,
shed on us thy deathless learning.