2.  Ah! well do I remember those
     Whose names these records bear;
   Who round the hearthstone 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 are they living still!

3.  My father read this holy hook
     To brothers, sisters, dear;
   How calm was my poor mother’s look,
     Who loved 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;
   When 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.