Scripture Verse

God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all. 1 John 1:5

Introduction

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Edward Caswall (1814–1878)
National Portrait Gallery

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Words: At­trib­ut­ed to In­no­cent III (1160–1216) (Ve­ni, Sanc­te Spi­rit­us). Trans­lat­ed from La­tin to Eng­lish by Ed­ward Cas­wall, 1848.

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

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William H. Monk (1823–1889)

Lyrics

Holy Spi­rit, Lord of light,
From Thy clear celestial height
Thy pure beaming radiance give.

Come, Thou Fa­ther of the poor,
Come with treasures which endure,
Come, Thou Light of all that live.

Thou, of all consolers best,
Thou, the soul’s delightsome Guest,
Dost refreshing peace bestow.

Thou in toil art comfort sweet,
Pleasant coolness in the heat,
Solace in the midst of woe.

Light immortal, Light divine,
Visit Thou these hearts of Thine,
And our inmost being fill.

If Thou take Thy grace away,
Nothing pure in man will stay;
All his good is turned to ill.

Heal our wounds; our strength renew;
On our dryness pour Thy dew;
Wash the stains of guilt away.

Bend the stubborn heart and will;
Melt the frozen, warm the chill;
Guide the steps that go as­tray.

Thou, on those who ev­er­more
Thee confess and Thee adore,
In Thy sevenfold gifts descend:

Give them comfort when they die,
Give them life with Thee on high;
Give them joys that ne­ver end.