Introduction
Words: Unknown author, circa 4th Century (Jam Christus astra ascenderat). Translated from Latin to English by Percy Dearmer in The English Hymnal (London: Oxford University Press, 1906), number 150.
Suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
Acts 2:2–3
Words: Unknown author, circa 4th Century (Jam Christus astra ascenderat). Translated from Latin to English by Percy Dearmer in The English Hymnal (London: Oxford University Press, 1906), number 150.
When Christ our Lord had passed once more
Into the Heaven He left before,
He sent a Comforter below
The Father’s promise to bestow.
The solemn time was soon to fall
Which told the number mystical
For since the resurrection day
A week of weeks had passed away.
At the third hour a rushing noise
Came like the tempest’s sudden voice,
And mingled with the apostles’ prayer,
Proclaiming loud that God was there.
From out the Father’s light it came,
That beautiful and kindly flame,
To kindle every Christian heart,
And fervor of the Word impart.
As then, O Lord, Thou didst fulfill,
Each holy heart to do Thy will,
So now do Thou our sins forgive
And make the world in peace to live.
To God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit, praise be done;
May Christ the Lord upon us pour
The Spirit’s gift forevermore.