MHB 284 – FATHER, if justly still we claim

Methodist-Hymns-284

1:  FATHER, if justly still we claim
To us and ours the promise made,
To us be graciously the same,
And crown with living fire our head.

2:  Our claim admit, and from above
Of holiness the Spirit shower,
Of wise discernment, humble love,
And zeal, and unity, and power.

3:  The Spirit of convincing speech,
Of power demonstrative, impart,
Such as may every conscience reach,
And sound the unbelieving heart.

4:  The Spirit of refining fire,
Searching the inmost of the mind,
To purge all fierce and foul desire,
And kindle life more pure and kind.

5:  The Spirit of faith, in this Thy day,
To break the power of cancelled sin,
Tread down its strength, o’erturn its sway,
And still the conquest more than win.

6:  The Spirit breathe of inward life,
Which in our hearts Thy laws may write;
Then grief expires, and pain, and strife:
’Tis nature all, and all delight. Amen.