PENTACOST

Hymn

When God of old came down from heaven,

In power and wrath he came.

Before his feet the clouds were riven,

Half darkness and half flame;

But when he came the second time,

He came in power and love.

Softer than gale at morning prime

Hovered his holy Dove.

The fires that rushed on Sinai down

In sudden torrents dread,

Now gently light, a glorious crown,

On every sainted head.

And when the Spirit of our God

Came down his flock to find,

A voice from heaven was heard abroad,

A rushing, mighty wind.

It fills the Church of God, it fills

The sinful world around;

Only in stubborn hearts and wills

No place for it is found.

Come Lord, come Wisdom, Love and Power,

Open our ears to hear.

Let us not miss the accepted hour!

Save, Lord, by love or fear

John Keble, 1827