206. 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 awe-struck 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 (1827)
Meter: C.M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 2010
Topic: Hymns for the Church Year: Pentecost
Tune Information
Name: WINCHESTER OLD
Composer: Thomas Este
Meter: C.M.
Key: F Major
Source: Psalms, 1592



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us