O Holy Spirit, blessed Comforter - César Malan

O Holy Spirit, blessed Comforter, 
Who hast revealed the Saviour to my heart, 
Lead me again to him whom I adore, 
And the assurance of his love impart. 

Once in blind ignorance I loved to stray, 
And only lived the world’s vain smile to share, 
And thus while wandering in error’s way, 
My onward path was darkness and despair. 

Eternal Spirit! thine almighty power 
Illumined this dark scene with heavenly light, 
And graciously revealed in that blest hour 
Jesus, the anointed Saviour, to my sight. 

But, Lord, I could not realize thy love, 
Nor dared to trust thy word and venture near. 
Until, through faith in Jesus’ precious blood, 
“Peace in believing” banished all my fear. 

O Holy Comforter! I bless thy name 
Who hast my soul to life eternal sealed: 
By thee my precious Saviour’s love I claim, 
And to his will would glad obedience yield. 

Lord! ever speak of Jesus to my heart; 
Help me to love him, serve him, and adore: 
And thus prepare my spirit, here on earth, 
To dwell with him in heaven forevermore. 

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[Henri Abraham] César Malan (1787 – 1864) Switzerland
Translated by Jane E. Arnold
Source: A library of religious poetry; a collection of the best poems of all ages and tongues. With biographical and literary notes by Philip Schaff, editor, Dodd, Mead & Company, 1881