304. 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 awe-struck 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.

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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 th' accepted hour;

Save, Lord, by love or fear.