1 Great was the day, the joy was great, When the divine disciples met; Whilst on their heads the Spirit came, And sat like tongues of cloven flame.
2 What gifts, what miracles he gave! And power to kill, and power to save! Furnish'd their tongues with wondrous words, Instead of shields, and spears, and swords.
3 Thus arm'd, he sent the champions forth From east to west, from south to north; "Go, and assert your Saviour's cause, "Go, spread the mystery of his cross."
4 These weapons of the holy war, Of what almighty force they are To make our stubborn passions bow, And lay the proudest rebel low!
5 Nations, the learned and the rude, Are by these heavenly arms subdu'd; While Satan rages at his loss, And hates the doctrine of the cross.
6 Great King of Grace, my heart subdue, I would be led in triumph too, A willing captive to my Lord, And sing the victories of his word.