Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from Heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them.
Acts 2:2–3
Words: The hymn is a cento: Verses 1–3 are by Robert C. Brackenbury, Sacred Poems & Hymns 1792. The remaining stanzas are from Charles Wesley, Rejoice, Rejoice, Ye Fallen Race, in Hymns and Sacred Poems, 1742, page 165.
Music: St. Crispin George J. Elvey, 1862 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Come, Holy Spirit, raise our songs
To reach the wonders of the day,
When with Thy fiery cloven tongues
Thou didst those glorious scenes display.
O ’twas a most auspicious hour,
Season of grace and sweet delight,
When Thou didst come with mighty power,
And light of truth divinely bright!
By this the blest disciples knew
Their risen Head had entered Heaven;
Had now obtained the promise due,
Fully by God the Father given.
Lord, we believe to us and ours
The apostolic promise given;
We wait to taste the heavenly powers,
The Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven.
Assembled here with one accord,
Calmly we wait the promised grace,
The purchase of our dying Lord—
Come, Holy Ghost, and fill the place!
If everyone that asks may find,
If still Thou art to sinners given,
Come as a mighty rushing wind,
To shake our earth, come down from Heav’n.