Lord, when the Father ne'er was known (Hymn 490)

Verse 1: Lord, when the Father ne'er was known, The Father came through Thee below, That we who lived in ignorance Might through Thyself the Father know. Verse 2: But, Lord, when Thou wast here on earth, How scarce were those Thyself who knew; A veil there was 'twixt Thee and them; They crowded 'round, but saw not through. Verse 3: Now as the Spirit Thou hast come E'en as the Father came in Thee; As we through Thee the Father know, Now through the Spirit we know Thee. Verse 4: Not with the flesh Thou now art clothed— Then must Thou walk with toil around; But as the Spirit in our heart Thou dost supply Thyself unbound. Verse 5: Thou, Lord, the Father once wast called, But now the Holy Spirit art; The Spirit is Thine other form, Thyself to dwell within our heart. Verse 6: By knowing Thee as Spirit, Lord, We realize Thy life's outflow, Thy glory and Thy character, And all Thy being's wonders know. Verse 7: Praise to Thy Name now floods our heart; There is no one as dear as Thee; For since we know how real Thou art, No other one could lovelier be.