During the adult Sunday School opening, we struggled through “Spirit of Faith, Come Down,” #242 in Living Hymns. While I wasn’t thrilled with the tune, the words are excellent. They rightfully teach man’s inability to come to Christ without God’s intervention (John 6:44; 1 Corinthians 12:3). When’s the last time you saw that doctrine in a hymn?

Spirit of faith, come down, reveal the things of God
And make to us the God-head known and witness with the blood
Tis thine the blood to apply and give us eyes to see
Who did for every sinner die hath surely died for me

No man can truly say that Jesus is the Lord
Unless thou take the veil away and breathe the Living Word
Then, only then, we feel our interest in his blood
And cry, with joy unspeakable “Thou art my Lord, my God!”

O that the world might know the all atoning Lamb
Spirit of faith, descend and show the virtue of his name
The grace which all may find, the saving power impart
And testify to all mankind and speak in every heart

—Charles Wesley