An earnest prayer for an inbreathing of the Holy Spirit and a greater consecration of life. The hymn was first published in a privately printed leaflet called, Between Doubt and Prayer, 1878. It is based on John 20:22: “He breathed on them and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.”
Edwin Hatch, Church of England clergyman and University Reader of Ecclesiastical History at Oxford, was a scholar of world reputation. His Bampton Lectures, The Organization of the Early Christian Church, 1881, were translated into German by Prof. Adolph Harnack, who wrote of Hatch: “In his learning that of England’s great old theologians, Ussher and Pearson, lived to me again. He was a glorious man, whose loss I shall never cease to mourn.” Though a man of profound learning, his faith was as simple and unaffected as that of a child.
MUSIC. TRENTHAM is a tune of great beauty, well fitted for these words of devotion. The tenor part is especially melodious.
Robert Jackson, 1840-1914, English composer of many anthems, hymn tunes, songs and part songs, succeeded his father as organist and choirmaster at St. Peter’s church, Oldham, the father and son together having a record of continuous service at the same church for 92 years. His whole life was devoted to music. He was a member of Sir Charles Halle’s orchestra and conductor of the Oldham Musical Society.
136. Holy Spirit, Truth divine
Samuel Longfellow, 1819-92
Entitled a “Prayer for Inspiration,” this superb hymn of the Holy Spirit appeared in Hymns of the Spirit, 1864, edited by Samuel Johnson and the author. Stanzas 5 and 6 are omitted.
For comments on Samuel Longfellow see [Hymn 28].
MUSIC. MERCY is an arrangement of a piano composition called, “The Last Hope,” by Louis Gottschalk, 1829-69, American composer, conductor, and popular concert pianist. Among Gottschalk’s works are two operas, two symphonies, and some piano pieces and songs—most of which are forgotten today. The arrangement of the tune is the work of Dr. Edwin P. Parker, 1836-1925, hymnologist and distinguished Congregationalist minister at Hartford, Conn.