May 23, 2005

Have faith in God –
Cease not those earnest prayers;
Have faith in God –
For all your woe He bears;
Have faith in God –
He sees, He knows, He cares.
Have faith, dear friend, in God.

Holy Spirit, Faithful Guide

Words and Music by Marcus Morris Wells, 1815-1895

    I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you. John 14:18.

    On a Saturday afternoon in October, 1858, while at work in my cornfield near Hardwick, New York, the sentiment of this hymn came to me. The next day, I finished the hymn and wrote a tune for it and sent it to Professor I. B. Woodbury.

Holy Spirit, faithful Guide, ever near the Christian’s side;
Gently lead us by the hand, pilgrims in a desert land.
Weary souls fore’er rejoice, while they hear that sweetest voice,
Whispering softly, “Wanderer, come, follow Me, I’ll guide thee home.”

Ever present, truest Friend, ever near Thine aid to lend,
Leave us not to doubt and fear, groping on in darkness drear.
When the storms are raging sore, hearts grow faint and hopes give o’er.
Whispering softly, “Wanderer, come, follow Me, I’ll guide thee home.”

When our days of toil cease, waiting still for sweet release,
Nothing left but heaven and prayer, wondering if our names are there;
Wading deep the dismal flood, pleading naught but Jesus’ blood,
Whispering softly, “Wanderer, come, follow Me, I’ll guide thee home.”

Have Faith in God by H.M.S. Richards, Used by Permission