Scripture Verse

The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Fa­ther will send in My name. John 14:26

Introduction

portrait
Catherine Winkworth (1827–1878)

Words: Translation from the 17th Cen­tu­ry af­ter King Robert of France, about 1000 (Ve­ni Sanc­te Spi­rit­us, Et em­it­te coel­i­tus). Trans­lat­ed from La­tin to Ger­man by Chris­tian C. J. Bun­sen, Ver­such eines all­ge­mein­en ev­an­gel­isch­en Ge­sang- und Ge­bet­buchs, 1833. Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish by Ca­the­rine Wink­worth, Ly­ra Ger­ma­ni­ca (Lon­don & New York: George Newnes & Charles Scrib­ner’s Sons, 1855), pag­es 78–79.

Music: St. Phi­lip (Monk) Will­iam H. Monk, in Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern, 1861 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • Heiliger Geist Voll­stan­dige Psalm­en (Bre­men, Ger­ma­ny: 1639) (🔊 pdf nwc)
portrait
William H. Monk (1823–1889)

Lyrics

Holy Ghost! my Com­fort­er!
Now from highest Hea­ven appear,
Shed Thy gracious radiance here.

Come to them who suffer dearth,
With Thy gifts of priceless worth,
Lighten all who dwell on earth!

Thou the heart’s most precious guest,
Thou of comforters the best,
Give to us, o’erladen, rest.

Come, in Thee our toil is sweet,
Shelter from the noon-day heat,
From whom sorrow flieth fleet.

Blessèd Sun of grace! O’er all
Faithful hearts who on Thee call
Let Thy light and solace fall.

What without Thy aid is wrought,
Skillful deed or wisest thought,
God will count but vain and naught.

Cleanse us, Lord, from sinful stain,
On the parchèd heart oh rain,
Heal the wounded of its pain.

Bend the stubborn will to Thine,
Melt the cold with fire divine,
Erring hearts aright incline.

Grant us, Lord, who cry to Thee,
Steadfast in the faith to be,
Give Thy gifts of charity.

May we live in holiness,
And in death find happiness,
And abide with Thee in bliss!