Sequence 16. Whitsuntide

DAY delightful ! day most noted !
When o'er Christ's disciples floated
Fire sent from the throne on high,
Filling hearts and tongues endowing,
And on hearts and tongues bestowing
Words and thoughts in harmony !

Christ, as once His word had spoken,
Sent His spouse a pledge and token,
Coming back the fiftieth day.

After streams of honey sweet
Oil that rock poured forth from it,
Which is now man's firmest stay.

From the mount to Jewry came
God's law, not in tongues of flame,
But on tables wrought from stone :
In a furnished upper room.

Given but to few, there come
Hearts renewed, and tongues as one.

O the joy and jubilation
Of tha,t day, when first foundation
Of the early Church was laid :
When the Church, then first begun,
Souls three thousand to it won,
Lively first-fruits of it made.

Thus one faith binds earth's two nations,
Like the early dispensation's
Twofold offering of bread :
The Head Corner-stone two races
By His presence interlaces.

And thus one the two are made.
In new bottles, not in olden.

Must the new-made wine be holden :
Brings the widow but the cruse ;
Oil is by Elijah given :
So doth God for dew from heaven
Hearts, if fitting vessels, use.

Of this wine or oil before Thee,
Of this dew, are we unworthy,
If we have not peace within :
Not in hearts 'gainst God rebelling,
Can this Comforter be dwelling.

Nor in those made dark through sin.
Come, Thou Comforter benignest !

Rule our hearts and tongues, Divinest !
Gall or poison, where Thou shinest,
May not any more be found :
There is not a joy or pleasure,
Health and rest are not a treasure,
Nought is sweet, all scant in measure,
Where Thy grace doth not abound.

Thou, for light and unction given,
A sweet savour sent from heaven,
Fillest simple water even
With a new mysterious power :
We, re-made by Thy creation,
Give Thee, with pure hearts, laudation ;
Sons of grace, by generation
Sons of wrath who were before.

Thou, Who art both gift and giver,
Helping every good endeavour,
Cause our hearts to praise Thee ever.

And our lips, O let us never
But in blessing Thee employ :
Wash out every evil passion.

Who alone canst purge transgression !
And in Christ our souls refashion,
That we may, in full possession.

Our new nature's bliss enjoy ! Amen.
loo PENTECOSTE.

XVI r,