1 We sing the glorious conquest
before Damascus gate,
when Saul, the church's spoiler,
came breathing threats and hate;
the rav'ning wolf rushed forward
full early to the prey;
but lo! the Shepherd met him,
and bound him fast today.
2 O glory most excelling
that smote across his path!
O light that pierced and blinded
the zealot in his wrath!
O voice that spake unto him
the calm, reproving word!
O love that sought and held him
the bondman of his Lord!
3 O Wisdom ord'ring 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 your employ
than he, till now so furious
your building to destroy?
4 Lord, teach your church the lesson,
still in her darkest hour
of weakness and of danger,
to trust your hidden pow'r:
your grace by ways mysterious
the wrath of man can bind,
and in your boldest foeman
your chosen saint can find.
