Mystery of God

So, I'm Presbyterian, which is really more of a statement on church government than it is on theological beliefs.  It got it's start in Scotland where John Knox fueled a reformation. There are many things that Presbyterians do well. They're known for teaching, church discipline, and no one runs a committee system like Presbyterians do. There are some things that Presbyterians are less known for; for instance, talking about the Holy Spirit. Of course, all generalities have their exception. I've known some Presbyterians to speak very eloquently about the nature of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is often referred to by the church fathers as the Mystery of God. This is due mainly to the fact that the Holy Spirit shines the light on the other two persons of the Trinity. His purpose is to illuminate and reveal and apply grace to us. That's a brief summation, I don't think I could accomplish in a blog illuminating the role of the Holy Spirit. He is equally magnificent and powerful as the Father and the Son.

If you haven't guessed by now, I'm listening to a hymn which focuses on the third person of the Trinity. The hymn is called "Come, Gracious Spirit, Heavenly Dove," written by Simon Browne. Browne wrote because that helped him learn better than experiential methods. Possibly Browne's biggest trial is when he defended himself against a highwayman. In self-defense, Simon Browne killed his attacker. This weighed heavily on his soul as he was convinced he was guilty of murder. Yet he still wrote hymns and prayers to the Lord. Here are the lyrics to this one concerning the Holy Spirit.

1) Come, gracious Spirit, heav'nly Dove,
With light and comfort from above;
Be Thou our Guardian, Thou are Guide;
O'er ev'ry thought and step preside.

2) To us the light of truth display,
And make us know and choose Thy way;
Plant holy fear in ev'ry heart,
That we from God may ne'er depart.

3) Lead us to holiness, the road 
Which we must take to dwell with God;
Lead us to Christ, the living way;
Nor let us from His pastures stray.

4) Lead us to God, our final rest,
To be with Him forever blest;
Lead us to heav'n, its bliss to share,
Fullness of joy forever there.