Text: Frank Bottome, 1823-1894
Tune: Comforter
Genre: Hymn
Language: English
Scripture Reference: John 14:16, 15:26
Liturgical Uses/Seasons: Pentecost
Themes: Holy Spirit, Revival
Hymnal Reference: #132 The New National Baptist Hymnal (21st Century Edition)
The hymn “The Comforter has Come” was written by Frank Bottome, a Methodist minister, in the late 19th century. Bottome sought to capture the joy and reassurance that comes with the presence of the Holy Spirit, often referred to as the “Comforter” in Christian theology. The hymn reflects the message of John 14:16, where Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to comfort and remain with His followers. The lyrics of the hymn convey a sense of profound relief and celebration at the fulfillment of this promise. In Nigerian worship services, the hymn is often sung during Pentecost, the season celebrating the Holy Spirit’s descent upon the apostles. It is also commonly used in services focused on themes of divine comfort, revival, and prayer for the Spirit’s guidance and presence.
Lyrics
1. O spread the tidings ’round
Wherever man is found,
Wherever human hearts and human woes abound;
Let every Christian tongue proclaim the joyful sound:
The Comforter has come!
Refrain:
The Comforter has come, the Comforter has come!
The Holy Ghost from heaven, the Father’s promise given;
O spread the tidings ’round wherever man is found:
The Comforter has come!
2. The long, long night is past, the morning breaks at last,
And hushed the dreadful wail and fury of the blast,
As o’er the golden hills the day advances fast!
The Comforter has come! [Refrain]
3. Lo, the great King of kings with healing in His wings,
To every captive soul a full deliverance brings;
And through the vacant cells the song of triumph rings;
The Comforter has come! [Refrain]
4 O boundless Love divine! how shall this tongue of mine
To wondering mortals tell the matchless grace divine:
That I, a child of hell, should in His image shine!
The Comforter has come! [Refrain]
Sources:
Hymnary.org
The New National Baptist Hymnal (21st Century Edition)
Kenneth W. Osbeck. 101 Hymn Stories: The Inspiring True Stories Behind 101 Favourite Hymns. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Kregel Publications, 1982
Contributed by Eguono Chamberlain Oyibo.
