Scripture Verse

The Spirit of the living God. 2 Corinthians 3:3

Introduction

Introduction

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James Montgomery
1771–1854
National Portrait Gallery

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Words: James Mont­go­me­ry, 1823. Mont­go­me­ry wrote this hymn to be sung at the Pub­lic Meet­ing of the Aux­il­i­ary Mis­sion­a­ry So­ci­e­ty for the West Rid­ing of Yorks­hire, Sa­lem Cha­pel, Leeds, June 4, 1823. It was first print­ed on a fly-sheet for that meet­ing, and in the Ev­an­gel­i­cal Ma­ga­zine the fol­low­ing Au­gust.

Music: Win­ches­ter New Mu­si­kal­isch­es Hand­buch (Ham­burg, Ger­ma­ny: 1690). Har­mo­ny by Will­iam H. Monk, 1847, alt. (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

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William H. Monk
1823–1889

Lyrics

O Spirit of the living God!
In all Thy plenitude of grace,
Where’er the foot of man hath trod,
Descend on our apostate race.

Give tongues of fire and hearts of love
To preach the reconciling Word,
Give power and unction from above,
Whene’er the joyful sound is heard.

Be darkness, at Thy coming, light;
Confusion, order in Thy path;
Souls without strength inspire with might;
Bid mercy triumph over wrath.

O Spirit of the Lord! prepare
All the round earth her God to meet;
Breathe Thou abroad like morning air,
Till hearts of stone begin to beat.

Baptize the nations; far and nigh
The triumphs of the cross record;
The name of Jesus glorify,
Till every kindred call Him Lord.

God from eternity hath willed
All flesh shall His salvation see;
So be the Father’s love fulfilled,
The Savior’s sufferings crowned, through Thee.