Classic Poem

Lo , the father hears our prayer:
Unto failing hearts to bear
All Christ promised ere He rose,
Forth to-day the Spirit goes.

As the Lord of Life draws nigh,
Signs and wonders multiply:
First through all the house there past
Sounds, as of a rushing blast;

Flakes of fire fell fast, and hung,
Each one like a burning tongue,
In the pure thin air, and shed
Lustre upon every head.

Then the flames that lit each brow,
Passing thence—we know not how—
To their inmost spirit pour
Light and strength unknown before.

Marvelling much the nations heard
Preached in every tongue the word;
All that seers had e'er discerned,
Told again in words that burned.

On the hearers then was poured
Forth the Spirit of the Lord:
Thick as sheaves at harvest-tide
They arose and prophesied.

Praise the Father, praise the Son:
Equal honour, too, be done
Unto Him, Who can inspire
Human hearts with flaming fire.