When God of old came down from heaven

Verse 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:

Verse 2

but, when he came the second time, he came in power and love; softer than gale at morning prime hovered his Holy Dove.

Verse 3

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

Verse 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;

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.