When God of old came down from heaven (Anonymous)
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- (Posted 2020-12-05) CPDL #61813:
- Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2020-12-05). Score information: A4, 1 page, 45 kB Copyright: CPDL
- Edition notes: The hymn with four-part harmony and underlaid words in the version published in Hymns Ancient & Modern New Standard
- (Posted 2020-12-05) CPDL #61812:
- Editor: Andrew Sims (submitted 2020-12-05). Score information: A4, 1 page, 85 kB Copyright: CPDL
- Edition notes: The hymn in the version published in Hymns Ancient & Modern New Standard, melody with words.
General Information
Title: When God of old came down from heaven
Composer: Anonymous
Tune: Winchester Old
Lyricist: John Keble
Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB
Genre: Sacred, Hymn Meter: 86. 86 (C.M.)
Language: English
Instruments: A cappella or keyboard
First published:
2nd published: 1983 in Hymns Ancient and Modern, New Standard, no. 90
Description: Descants to the hymn are available by Alan Gray and Andrew Sims.
External websites:
Original text and translations
English text
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.