One of the magisterial publications in biblical studies is the massive Hatch and Redpath Concordance of the Greek Septuagint. Edwin Hatch was probably thought too liberal for promotion beyond the obscurity of his Oxford study. In addition to the monumental Concordance, he delivered both the Bampton and the Hibbert Lectures on what may seem like obscure corners of Christian scholarship. The Influence of Greek Ideas on Christianity was an early and brilliant attempt to present a picture of Greek life, thought and culture in the first centuries after Christ, and it remains a landmark study, dated now of course, but having established the cruciality of context in tracing the historical development of Christian thought.
Well, that's all well and good. Another side of this humble lexicographer, whose knowledge of Greek, Hebrew and other ancient languages was extensive and deep, was his devotion to God and the sensitivity and simplicity of his personal faith. It is a salutary fact that the writer of this simple, dependent prayer, "Breathe on me breath of God", with its unembarrassed longing for holiness and purity of love, was penned by a man soaked in scholarship, assiduous in research, meticulous in his tracing and translating of words. The hymn has long been a favourite of Evangelicals, and was for decades popular at the Keswick Convention.
I love this hymn, and often use it in my own prayers. I admire the writer for the way he integrated academic brilliance, disciplined scholarship and the deep aspirations of a heart devoted to God. His hairstyle however is something else!
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Fill me with life anew,
That I may love what Thou dost love,
And do what Thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Until my heart is pure,
Until with Thee I will one will,
To do and to endure.
Breathe on me, breath of God,
Blend all my soul with Thine,
Until this earthly part of me
Glows with Thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, breath of God,
So shall I never die,
But live with Thee the perfect life
Of Thine eternity.
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