But blacker was the darkness Our hearts are faint with sorrow, A. A. Procter XXI GRATITUDE TO GOD How blest Thy creature is, O God, He views the lustre of Thy word, Through all the storms that veil the skies, Struck by that light, the human heart, Sends the sweet smell of grace abroad, The glorious orb, whose golden beams Since first, obedient to Thy word, Has cheer'd the nations with the joys His orient rays impart ; But, Jesus, 'tis Thy light alone Can shine upon the heart. W. Cowper XXII HYMN TO THE HOLY SPIRIT Praise be Thine, most Holy Spirit, Honour to Thy Holy Name! Set in everlasting fame. By Thy hand, in secret working, Clothe their barrenness for Thy praise. As an island in a river Vex'd with endless rave and roar, Keeps an inner silence ever On its consecrated shore, Flower'd with flowers, and green with grasses: Deepening more the peace inside. When our heart is faint Thou warmest, Thou our ignorance informest, Thos. Burridge XXIII LITANY TO THE HOLY SPIRIT In the hour of my distress, When temptations me oppress, And when I my sins confess, Sweet Spirit, comfort me. When I lie within my bed, Sick in heart, and sick in head, Sweet Spirit, comfort me. When the house doth sigh, and weep, When God knows I'm toss'd about Yet before the glass be out, Sweet Spirit, comfort me. When the tempter me pursueth Sweet Spirit, comfort me. When the judgment is reveal'd, R. Herrick XXIV VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire, The dulness of our blinded sight; That, through the ages all along, Ordination Service XXV THE HOLY TRINITY Holy Holy Holy! Lord God Almighty! Holy Holy! Holy! all the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea; Cherubim and Seraphim falling down before Thee, Which wert, and art, and evermore shall bc. Holy! Holy! Holy! though the darkness hide Thee, Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see, Only Thou art Holy, there is none beside Thee Holy Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty! Holy Holy! Holy! Merciful and Mighty, God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity! Bishop Reginald Heber |