AUTHOR OF FAITH, ETERNAL WORD

[1]
Author of faith, eternal word,
whose Spirit breathes the active flame;
faith, like its Finisher and Lord,
today as yesterday the same:

[2]
to thee our humble hearts aspire,
and ask the gift unspeakable;
increase in us the kindled fire,
in us the work of faith fulfil.

[3]
By faith we know thee strong to save;
(save us, a present Saviour thou!)
whate'er we hope, by faith we have,
future and past are present now.

[4]
To him that in thy name believes
eternal life with thee is given;
into himself he all receives,
pardon, and happiness, and heaven.

[5]
The things unknown to feeble sense,
unseen by reason's glimmering ray,
with strong, commanding evidence
their heavenly origin display.

[6]
Faith lends its realizing light,
the clouds disperse, the shadows fly;
the Invisible appears in sight,
and God is seen by mortal eye.