The Spirit breathes upon the word
Book 2, Hymn 62 · William Cowper · Public-domain words
The Spirit breathes upon the word
Book 2, Hymn 62 · William Cowper
The words
- 1
Stanza 1. The Spirit breathes upon the word,And brings the truth to sight;Precepts and promises affordA sanctifying light.
- 2
Stanza 2. A glory gilds the sacred page,Majestic like the sunIt gives a light to every age,It gives, but borrows none.
- 3
Stanza 3. The hand that gave it, still suppliesThe gracious light and heat;His truths upon the nations rise,They rise, but never set.
- 4
Stanza 4. Let everlasting thanks be thineFor such a bright display,As makes a world of darkness shineWith beams of heav’nly day.
- 5
Stanza 5. My soul rejoices to pursueThe steps of him I love;Till glory breaks upon my viewIn brighter worlds above.
Olney Hymns (1779), Book 2, Hymn 62. William Cowper. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/2-62
About these words
William Cowper lived from 1731 to 1800. These historical words are public domain.
This hymn belongs to the complete three-book collection first published in 1779.
The CCEL transcription modernizes spelling and some punctuation. Read this hymn at the source. Checked 23 October 2026.
No sheet music or recordings are included. This web collection is separate from the PrayLock iPhone app.
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