Our Blest Redeemer, Ere He Breathed

Above:  The Holy Spirit as a Dove

Scan by Kenneth Randolph Taylor from a Church Bulletin, St. Gregory the Great Episcopal Church, Athens, Georgia, Pentecost 2015

Text (1829) by Harriet Auber (1773-1862)

Hymn Source = A Collection of Psalms and Hymns for Christian Worship (1830), American Unitarian Association

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Our blest Redeemer, ere he breathed

His tender, last farewell,

A Guide, a Comforter, bequeathed

With us to dwell.

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He came in tongues of living flame,

To teach, convince, subdue;

All powerful as the wind he came,

As viewless too.

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He came sweet influence to impart,

A gracious willing guest,

While he can find one humble heart

Wherein to rest.

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And his that gentle voice we hear,

Soft as the breath of even,

That checks each fault, that calms each fear,

And speaks of heaven.

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And every virtue we possess,

And every victory won,

And every thought of holiness,

Are his alone.

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Spirit of purity and grace,

Our weakness pitying see;

O make our hearts thy dwelling place,

And worthier thee.

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