CREATOR Spirit! by Whose aid The world’s foundations first were laid, Come, visit every waiting mind, Come, pour Thy joys on human kind; From sin and sorrow set us free, And give us grace to hear and see.
With Thy rich grace descend from high Perfect in power and energy; The strength of His almighty hand, Whose power does Heaven and earth command; Refine and purge our earthly parts, And stamp Thine image on our hearts.
Create us new, our wills control, Subdue the rebel in our soul; Chase from our minds the fear of woe, And peace and love and faith bestow: And lest again we go astray, Protect and guide us in the way.
Immortal honour, endless fame, Attend the almighty Father’s name; The Saviour Son be glorified, Who for lost man’s redemption died; And equal adoration be, Eternal Comforter, to Thee.
Latin, 7th century, tr John Dryden, 1631-1700‡