When God of old came down from heaven
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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. |
Olim descenderat Deus et fortis et furens, miscens tenebras ignibus nimbosque dividens. Sed iterum descendit is et fortis et amans, aurorae vento similis columbamque imitans. Flammaeque Sinaiticae dira illa flumina sanctorum molli decore adornant capita. Utque Israel in auribus vox mira cecinit, supernos terrens lituus qui nube sonuit, sic, venit cum Paraclitus pecus suum petens, e caelo sparsus est sonus ventusque violens. Hoc plena fit Dei domus et quicquid exterum: solis abest a cordibus is pervicacium. O docte amans potensque, nos fac audiamus te: amatos sive territos salves in tempore. |