7.6.7.6.D. [1023]Munich: Meiningen, 1693; harm., Felix Mendelssohn, 1847 John Ellerton, 1871 We sing the glorious conquest Before Damascus gate, When Saul, the Church's spoiler, Came breathing threats and hate; The ravening wolf rushed forward Full early to the prey; But lo! the Shepherd met him, And bound him fast today. O glory most excelling That smote across his path! O light that pierced and blinded The zealot in his wrath! O voice that spake within him The calm, reproving word! O love that sought and held him The bondman of his Lord! O Wisdom ordering all things In order strong and sweet, What nobler spoil was ever Cast at the Victor's feet? What wiser master-builder E'er wrought at thine employ Than he, till now so furious Thy building to destroy? Lord, teach thy Church the lesson, Still in her darkest hour Of weakness and of danger, To trust thy hidden power: Thy grace by ways mysterious The wrath of man can bind, And in thy boldest foeman Thy chosen saint can find. Amen. |