HYMN #0968 SSS #968 • SS&S Meter: 8.7. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #968: By-and-by we shall know

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

By and by we shall know Jesus,
By and by, oh, by and by;
Even now He looks and sees us,
Journeying toward His Home on high,
And He smiles upon us, saying,
By and by, oh, by and by,
Cares and trials you’ll be laying
With your earthly garments by."
Oh, "By and by, "we sing it softly,
Thinking not of earthly care,
But the" by and by" of heaven
Waiting for us over there.

By and by we shall be standing,
By and by, oh, by and by,
At fair heaven’s shining landing,
While the river murmurs by;
And our friends will round us gather,
By and by, oh, by and by,
Saying, Welcome, for the Father
Loves to have His children nigh."

By and by!" we say it gently,
Looking on our peaceful dead,
And we do not think of earth-life,
But of heaven’s sweet life instead.
By and by we all shall gather,
By and by, oh, by and by,
In the love of God our Father,
That shall know no" by and by."

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "By-and-by we shall know"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #968 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 3 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: 8.7.
Stanza Structure: 3 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.

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