Scripture Verse

I will ask the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter. John 14:16

Introduction

portrait
Samuel A. W. Duffield
1818–1888

Words: Un­known au­thor, 12th Cen­tu­ry (Ve­ni Sanc­te Spir­it­us). Trans­lat­ed from La­tin to Eng­lish by Sam­u­el A. W. Duf­field in Laud­es Do­mi­ni (New York: 1884).

Music: Ve­ni Sanc­te Spir­it­us, Sam­u­el Webbe, 1782 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Samuel Webbe, Sr.
1740–1816

Lyrics

Holy Spirit, come and shine
Sweetly in this heart of mine,
With Thy heavenly love and light;
Come, Thou Father of the poor,
Come, Thou Giver, great and sure;
Come, and make my spirit bright!

Best of all my helpers, Thou!
Dearest Guest that I can know,
Freshest Draught that I can find:
In my labor Thou art Peace,
Thou dost bid my fever cease,
To my sorrows Thou art kind.

O Thou blessèd Light of Light,
Fill Thou every secret height
In Thy servant’s waiting soul!
Save for this, Thy heavenly aid,
Man would be for nothing made;
Not a sin could he control.

Cleanse Thou every sordid place
Soften harshness by Thy grace,
Heal the wounds I feel within;
Bend the stubborn will to Thine,
Cheer the thoughts that droop and pine—
Rule whatever turns to sin!

Give to them that faithful be
Everlasting trust in Thee,
All Thy sevenfold gifts bestow;
Give to virtue her reward,
Give us safety in our Lord,
Give what joy immortals know!