Poems (Gifford)/"Another Comforter"

by Elizabeth Gifford

"ANOTHER COMFORTER." (John xiv. 16-26.)

Oh God, the Holy Spirit!
 Oh Legacy of Christ!
Oh Gift of God the Father!
 Oh Blessedness unpriced!
Oh Spring of life eternal!
 Oh living, loving, Dower!
Oh heavenly Inspiration!
 Show forth in us Thy power.

Oh Herald of salvation!
 Oh Harbinger of rest!
Oh Earnest of redemption,
 Sealing us God-possessed!
Oh gracious Hope-instiller!
 Oh Comforter unique!
Oh Liberty-bestower!
 Thine influence we seek.

Oh sanctifying Spirit!
 Oh Fount of righteousness!
Oh God, the sole Begetter
 Of love, and joy, and peace!
Oh Root of all longsuffering,
 Gentleness, goodness, faith!
Oh Source of meekness, temperance!
 Transform us by Thy breath.

Oh infinite Revealer!
 Oh Witness of the Lord!
Oh bountiful Dispenser
 Of the all glorious Word!
Oh true, unerring Teacher!
 Remembrancer and Guide!
Oh urgent Intercessor!
 In us for aye abide.

Oh Light all-penetrating!
 Oh Flame unquenchable!
Oh, Wind unseen, but forceful!
 Oh Strength invincible!
Oh Minister of glory!
 Work in us all Thy will,
Use for us all Thy functions,
 Our hearts enlarge and fill.

So fill us with Thy fulness
 That we must needs outpour
Glad streams of living water
 To widen more and more.
Yea, flow through us blest Spirit,
 And so to others give
Thy vivifying blessing
 That they may drink and live.

Oh Thou whom we rely on
 To make our bliss secure,
To make all grace effective,
 All promise to ensure!
Thou marvellous Provision
 For heaven to make us meet!
Join with the Son and Father
 Redemption to complete!