HYMN #0168 A&M #168 • Ancient & Modern Meter: C.M. Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #168: There is a book, who runs may read

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Hymns Ancient & Modern

There is a book, who runs may
ead,
Which heavenly truth imparts.
And all the lore its scholars need,

Pure eyes and Christian hearts.
The works of God above, below,
Within us and around.
Are pages in that book, to show

How God Himself is found.
hracing afl,
Is like the Maker's love,
Wherewith eneompass"d, great and

In peace and order move.
The Moon above, the Church below,
A wondr- 'us rr.ee they run :
But all their radiance, all their glow,

Each borrows of its Sun.
The Saviour lends the litrht and heat
That crown His holy hill ;
The Saints. like stars, around His seat

Perform their courses still.
P The dew of heaven is like Thy grace,
It steals in silence down ;
But where it liehts. the favour 'd

By richest fruits is known,
GENERAL HYMNS.
One Name, above all glorious names,
With its ten thousand tongues

The everlasting sea proclaims,
Echoing Angelic songs.
The raging lire, the roaring wind
Thy boundless power display ;

But in the gentler breeze we find
Thy Spirit's viewless way.
t)if Two worlds are ours : 'tis only sin
Forbids us to descry

The mystic Heav'n and earth within,
Plain as the sea and sky.
Thou, Who hast given me eyes to see
And love this sight so fair,
Give me a heart to find out Thee.
And read Thee everywhere.

Amen.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "There is a book, who runs may read"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #168 in the venerable Hymns Ancient & Modern (1889 Standard Edition). Originally compiled under the guidance of the Rev. Sir Henry Williams Baker and a committee of dedicated church musicians, this hymnal harmonized historic Latin, Greek, and German hymnody with classical English psalmody.

It has served as a primary liturgical hymnal for the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican and Episcopal communion for generations, renowned for its doctrinal clarity and reverent choral tradition.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 11 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: C.M.
Stanza Structure: 11 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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