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Marcus McKibben Wells

Marcus McKibben Wells

Alvin (Bud) Herman Manz in 2000

Words and Music by Marcus Morris Wells, 1815–1895

“Holy Spirit, Faithful Guide” was written and composed by an American farmer, Marcus M. Wells. He gave the following account for its writing:

On a Saturday afternoon in October, 1858, while at work in my cornfield near Hardwick, New York, the sentiment of this hymn came to me. The next day, I finished the hymn and wrote a tune for it and sent it to Professor I. G. Woodbury.

The hymn appeared in the next month’s issue of Woodbury’s periodical, The New York Musical Pioneer.

Tune: FAITHFUL GUIDE

Source: http://www.scriptureandmusic.com/Music/Text_Files/Holy_Spirit_Faithful_Guide.html

Holy Spirit faithful Guide,
Ever near the Christian's side,
Gently lead us by the hand,
Pilgrims in a desert land;
Weary souls fore'er rejoice,
While they hear that sweetest voice,
Whisper softly, "Wand'rer, come,
Follow Me, I'll guide thee Home."

Ever present, truest Friend,
Ever near, Thine aid to lend,
Leave us not to doubt and fear,
Groping on in darkness drear;
When the storms are raging sore,
Hearts grow faint and hopes give o'er;
Whisper softly, "Wand'rer, come,
Follow Me, I'll guide thee Home."

When our days of toil shall cease,
Waiting still for sweet release,
Nothing left but Heav'n and prayer,
Wond'ring if our names are there;
Wading deep the dismal flood,
Pleading naught but Jesus' blood;
Whisper softly, "Wand'rer, come,
Follow Me, I'll guide thee Home."