HYMN #0856 SSS #856 • SS&S Meter: P.M. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #856: There's a wonderful story

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

There’s a wonderful story I’ve heard long ago,
’Tis called" The sweet story of old";
I hear it so often, wherever I go
That same old story is told;
And I’ve thought it was strange that
so often they’d tell
That story as if it were new;
But I’ve found out the reason they loved it so well—
That old, old story is true!
That old, old story is true,
That old, old story is true;
But I’ve found out the reason they loved it so well—
That old, old story is true!

They told of a Saviour so lovely and pure,
That came to the earth to dwell,
To seek for His lost ones, and make them secure
From death and the power of hell;
That He was despised, and with thorns He was crowned,
On the cross was extended to view;
But oh, what sweet peace in my heart since I’ve found
That old, old story is true!
But oh, what sweet peace in my heart since I’ve found
That old, old story is true!

He arose and ascended to heaven, we’re told,
Triumphant o’er death and hell;
He’s preparing a place in that city of gold,
Where loved ones for ever may dwell;
Where our kindred we’ll meet, and we’ll nevermore part;
And oh, while I tell it to you,
It is peace to my soul, it is joy to my heart—
That old, old story is true!
It is peace to my soul, it is joy to my heart-
That old, old story is true!

Oh, that wonderful story I love to repeat,
Of peace and goodwill to men;
There’s no story to me that is half so sweet,
As I hear it again and again.
He invites you to come—He will freely receive,
And this message He sendeth to you,
"There’s a mansion in glory for all who believe,"
That old, old story is true.
"There’s a mansion in glory for all who believe,"
That old, old story is true!

← Prev (#855) Hymn 856 of 1,200 Next (#857) →

🔎 Browse All 1,200 SS&S Hymns

Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "There's a wonderful story"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #856 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 4 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: P.M.
Stanza Structure: 4 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

WINDOWS DESKTOP EDITION 100% Offline Worship

Take All 1,838 Hymns With Cathedral Organ Tunes Everywhere

Download the free offline Windows app with full 4-part harmony pipe organ accompaniments for both Sacred Songs & Solos and Hymns Ancient & Modern.

⬇️ Download for Windows PC (2.9 MB) View simple 1-minute installation guide →