Hymns and Spiritual Songs, in Three Books ‎#II.CXLIV

II.CXLIV. The effusion of the Spirit: or, the success of the gospel

1 Great was the day, the joy was great,
When the divine disciples met;
Whilst on their heads the Spirit came,
And sat like tongues of cloven flame.

2 What gifts, what miracles he gave!
And pow'r to kill, and pow'r to save!
Furnish'd their tongues with wondrous words,
Instead of shields, and spears, and swords.

3 Thus arm'd, he sent the champions forth:
From east to west, from south to north:
"Go, and assert your Saviour's cause,
"Go, spread the myst'ry of his cross.

4 These weapons of the holy war,
Of what almighty force they are
To make our stubborn passions bow,
And lay the proudest rebel low!

5 Nations, the learned and the rude,
Are by these heav'nly arms subdu'd;
While Satan rages at his loss,
And hates the doctrine of the cross.

6 Great king of grace! my heart subdue;
I would be led in triumph too,
A willing captive to my Lord,
And sing the vict'ries of his word.

Text Information

• First Line: Great was the day, the joy was great
• Title: The effusion of the Spirit: or, the success of the gospel
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1793

Tune Information

(No tune information)