Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
862Resource Type:
Keys included:
D
About this Hymn
This is one of the most stunningly beautiful hymns ever written, as it focuses on the life-altering effects of a heart consumed by the Holy Spirit's fire. Initially an Italian poem, "Discendi Amor Santo," by the medieval mystic poet Bianco da Siena, it was translated by Littledale and set to a melody by English composer Vaughan Williams.
Oh let it freely burn,
Till earthly passions turn
To dust and ashes in its heat consuming.
Oh let it freely burn,
Till earthly passions turn
To dust and ashes in its heat consuming.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Come down, O Love divine, seek thou this soul of mine, and visit it with thine own passion glowing. O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear, and kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.
Verse 2
Oh, let it freely burn, till earthly passions turn to dust and ashes in its heat consuming. And let thy glorious light shine ever on my sight, and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.
Verse 3
Let holy love to thee mine outward vesture be, and lowliness become mine inner clothing. True lowliness of heart, which seeks the humbler part, and for its own shortcomings weeps with sorrow.
Verse 4
And so the yearning strong, to which the soul will long, shall far surpass the pow'r of human telling. For none can know its grace, till Christ create a place wherein the Holy Spirit makes a dwelling.
Come down, O Love divine, seek thou this soul of mine, and visit it with thine own passion glowing. O Comforter, draw near, within my heart appear, and kindle it, thy holy flame bestowing.
Verse 2
Oh, let it freely burn, till earthly passions turn to dust and ashes in its heat consuming. And let thy glorious light shine ever on my sight, and clothe me round, the while my path illuming.
Verse 3
Let holy love to thee mine outward vesture be, and lowliness become mine inner clothing. True lowliness of heart, which seeks the humbler part, and for its own shortcomings weeps with sorrow.
Verse 4
And so the yearning strong, to which the soul will long, shall far surpass the pow'r of human telling. For none can know its grace, till Christ create a place wherein the Holy Spirit makes a dwelling.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Bianco da Siena, d. 1434; tr. Richard Frederick Littledale Jr., 1867
Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906
Music: Ralph Vaughan Williams, 1906