Sweetest Fount of holy gladness, Fairest light was ever shed, Who alike in joy and sadness Leavest none unvisited; Spirit of the Highest God, Lord, from whom is life bestow'd, Who upholdest ev'rything, Hear me, hear me, while I sing. | Thou art shed like gentlest showers From the Father and the Son, Bringing to us quicken'd powers, Purest blessing from their throne; Suffer then, O noble Guest, That rich gift by Thee possest, That Thou givest at Thy will, All my being now to fill. | Thou art ever true and holy, Sin and falsehood Thou dost hate; But Thou comest where the lowly And the pure Thy presence wait; Wash me then, O well of grace, Every stain and spot efface, Let me flee what Thou dost flee, Grant me what Thou lov'st to see. | Well content am I if only Thou wilt deign to dwell with me; With Thee I am never lonely, Never comfortless with Thee; Thine for ever make me now, And to Thee, my Lord, I vow Here and yonder to employ Every power for Thee with joy, | When I cry for help, oh hear me When I sink, oh haste to save; When I die, be inly near me, Be my hope e'en in the grave; Bring me when I rise again To the land that knows no pain, Where Thy followers from Thy stream Drink for ever joys supreme! | |