When God of old came down from Heaven

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 as on israel's awestruck ear
The voice exceeding loud,
The trump that angels quake to hear,
Thrilled from the deep, dark cloud;

So, 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.