The text of this hymn, by Christina Forsyth (1825-1859), is well-suited to Pentecost or Confirmation. Although the original text has nine stanzas, most earlier hymnals seem to have included typically four of the stanzas. This setting, to my tune MacKillop 10 (10 10. 10 10). comprises the first four stanzas plus the final stanza of the original poem.
The musical setting includes an optional slightly altered harmonization for the second stanza, a descant for the third (and optionally fifth) stanza to go with the first stanza harmonization, as well as a rather different alternate harmonization for the last two stanzas, including a soaring descant on the final stanza.
The musical setting includes an optional slightly altered harmonization for the second stanza, a descant for the third (and optionally fifth) stanza to go with the first stanza harmonization, as well as a rather different alternate harmonization for the last two stanzas, including a soaring descant on the final stanza.