The Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 14:17
Words: Reginald Heber (1783–1826); published posthumously in Hymns Written and Adapted to the Weekly Service of the Church Year (London: J. Murray, 1827), pages 76–77.
Music: Bedford William Wheale, 1729 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Wheale (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Spirit of truth! on this Thy day
To Thee for help we cry,
To guide us through the dreary way
Of dark mortality!
We ask not, Lord! Thy cloven flame,
Or tongues of various tone;
But long Thy praises to proclaim
With fervor in our own.
We mourn not that prophetic skill
Is found on earth no more;
Enough for us to trace Thy will
In Scripture’s sacred lore.
We neither have nor seek the power
Ill demons to control;
But Thou in dark temptation’s hour
Shalt chase them from the soul.
No heavenly harpings soothe our ear,
No mystic dreams we share;
Yet hope to feel Thy comfort near,
And bless Thee in our prayer.
When tongues shall cease, and power decay,
And knowledge empty prove,
Do Thou Thy trembling servants stay,
With faith, with hope, with love.