Thou sovereign Lord of earth and skies,

Supremely good, supremely wise;

Fix thou the place of our abode;

But may we still live near to God.

2 Where’er our dwelling shall be found,

We will thy throne of grace surround;

An altar to thy name will raise,

With sacrifice of prayer and praise.

3 With faith and with devotion, Lord!

Teach us each day to hear thy word:

Grant us thy light to learn thy will,

And strength our duties to fulfill.

Happy the home, when God is there,

And love fills every breast;

Where one their wish, and one their prayer,

And one their heavenly rest.

2 Happy the home, where Jesus’ name

Is sweet to every ear;

Where children early lisp his fame

And parents hold him dear.

3 Happy the home where prayer is heard,

And praise is wont to rise;

Where parents love the sacred word,

And live but for the skies.

4 Lord! let us in our homes agree,

This blessÉd peace to gain;

Unite our hearts in love to thee,

And love to all will reign.

This book is all that’s left me now,

Tears will unbidden start,

With faltering heart and throbbing brow,

I press it to my heart.

For many generations past,

Here is our family tree;

My mother’s hand this Bible clasped;

She dying gave it me.

2 Ah! well do I remember those

Whose name these records bear;

Who round the hearth-stone used to close,

After the evening prayer,

3 My father read this holy book

To brothers, sisters dear;

How calm was my poor mother’s look,

Who leaned God’s word to hear.

Her angel face—I see it yet!

What thronging memories come!

Again that little group is met,

Within the walls of home.

4 Thou truest friend man ever knew,

Thy constancy I’ve tried;

Where all were false, I found thee true—

My counselor and guide.

The mines of earth no treasures give,

That could this volume buy;

In teaching me the way to live,

It taught me how to die.

In all my ways, O God!

I would acknowledge thee;

And seek to keep my heart and house

From all pollution free.

2 Where’er I have a tent,

An altar will I raise;

And thither my oblations bring

Of humble prayer and praise.

3 Could I my wish obtain,

My household, Lord, should be

Devoted to thyself alone,

A nursery for thee.