The Influences of the Spirit Experienced

Verse 1

Dear Lord, and shall thy spirit rest In such a wretched heart as mine? Unworthy dwelling! glorious guest! Favor astonishing, divine!

Verse 2

When sin prevails, and gloomy fear, And hope almost expires in night, Lord, can thy spirit then be here, Great spring of comfort, life, and light?

Verse 3

Sure the blest comforter is nigh, 'Tis he sustains my fainting heart; Else would my hopes for ever die, And every cheering ray depart.

Verse 4

When some kind promise glads my soul, Do I not find his healing voice The tempest of my fears control, And bid my drooping powers rejoice?

Verse 5

Whene'er to call the savior mine, With ardent wish my heart aspires; Can it be less than power divine, Which animates these strong desires?

Verse 6

What less than thy almighty word Can raise my heart from earth and dust, And bid me cleave to thee, my Lord, My life, my treasure, and my trust?

Verse 7

And when my cheerful hope can say, I love my God, and taste his grace, Lord, is it not thy blissful ray, Which brings this dawn of sacred peace?

Verse 8

Let thy kind spirit in my heart For ever dwell, O God of love, And light and heavenly peace impart, Sweet earnest of the joys above.