The promise which the Saviour made

The promise which the Saviour made
When His disciples sorrowed most,
That He would send to comfort them
The life-inspiring Holy Ghost,
Found its fulfilment when they met
Upon the hallowed Pentecost.

And ever through the linkèd years,
From then till now the Gift is sure;
And they who sorrow for their sin,
Or trial's bitter pangs endure,
And they who mourn, and they who weep,
Find in the Gift a peace secure.

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Vainly we mourn our absent Lord,
If Thou, the Comforter be near;
For it is Thine to take of His,
And make us feel that He is here;
We still may joy when others grieve,
And hope when threatening clouds appear.

Come, Holy Ghost, with us reside,
Let Thy sweet presence fill our soul;
And make us strong to fight and win;
And all our wayward wills control;
To give us comfort when we weep,
And bind our hearts, and make them whole.