199. When God of old came down from heaven

1 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.

*2 But when he came the second time,
he came in power and love;
softer than gale at morning prime
hovered his holy Dove.

*3 The fires, that rushed on Sinai down
in sudden torrents dread,
now gently light, a glorious crown,
on every sainted head.

*4 And as on Israel’s awestruck ear
the voice exceeding loud,
the trump that angels quake to hear,
thrilled from the deep, dark cloud;

5 So, when the Spirit of our God
came down his flock to find,
a voice from heaven was heard abroad,
a rushing, mighty wind.

6 It fills the Church of God; it fills
the sinful world around:
only in stubborn hearts and wills
no place for it is found.

7 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.

Text Information
First Line: When God of old came down from heaven
Author: John Keble, 1792-1866
Meter: CM
Language: English
Publication Date: 2000
Scripture: ; ; ; ;
Topic: Pentecost
Tune Information
Name: WINCHESTER OLD
Meter: CM
Key: F Major
Source: Thomas Este's Psalter, 1592



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