Above the Starry Spheres

Verse 1

Above the starry spheres, To where He was before, Christ had gone up, the Father’s gift Upon the Church to pour.

Verse 2

At length had fully come, On mystic circle borne Of seven times seven revolving days, The Pentecostal morn.

Verse 3

When, as the Apostles knelt At the third hour in prayer, A sudden rushing sound proclaimed That God Himself was there.

Verse 4

Forthwith a tongue of fire Is seen on every brow, Each heart receives the Father’s light, The Word’s enkindling glow.

Verse 5

The Holy Ghost on all Is mightily outpoured, Who straight in divers tongues declare The wonders of the Lord.

Verse 6

While strangers of all climes Flock round from far and near, And their own tongue, wherever born, All with amazement hear.

Verse 7

But Judah, faithless still, Denies the hand divine; And, mocking, jeers the saints of Christ As full of new made wine.

Verse 8

Till Peter, in the midst, By Joel’s ancient word, Rebukes their unbelief, and wins Three thousand to the Lord.

Verse 9

The Father and the Son And Spirit we adore, O may the Spirit’s gifts be poured On us forevermore.