79 THE BREATH OF GOD
“The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof.”—John iii. 8.
80G. Ter Steegen, † 1769.
tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899
Thou Breath from still eternity Breathe o’er my spirit’s barren land— The pine-tree and the myrtle-tree Shall spring amidst the desert sand; And where Thy living water flows The waste shall blossom as the rose. | May I in will and deed and word Obey Thee as a little child; And keep me in Thy love, my Lord, For ever holy, undefiled; Within me teach, and strive, and pray, Lest I should choose my own wild way. | O Spirit, Stream that by the Son Is opened to us crystal pure, Forth flowing from the heavenly Throne To waiting hearts and spirits poor, Athirst and weary do I sink Beside Thy waters, there to drink. | My spirit turns to Thee and clings, All else forsaking, unto Thee; Forgetting all created things, Remembering only “God in me.” O living Stream; O gracious rain, None wait for Thee, and wait in vain. | |