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.