HYMN #0181 A&M #181 • Ancient & Modern Meter: S.M Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #181: We know Thee Who Thou art

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

1

Of higher or of lower place,
But wore the robe of human frame
Himself, and to this lost world came.
For us He was baptized, and bore

2

His holy fast, and hunger'd sore ;
For us temptations sharp He knew ;
For us the tempter overthrew.
For us He pray'd, for us He taught,

3

For us His daily works He wrought,
By words, and signs, and actions, thus
Still seeking not Himself but us.
For ns to wicked men betray'd,

4

ourged, mock'd, in purple robe
array'd,
He bore the shameful Cross and death;
For us at length gave up His breath.

5

For us He rose from death again,
For us He went on hi^h to reign,
For us He sent His Spirit here
To guide, to strengthen, and to cheer.

6

" Blessed are they that have not seen, and
174 Vet have believed."
w/We saw Thee not when Thou
st come

7

To this poor world of sin and
Nor e'er beheld Thy cottage-home
In that despised Nazareth ;
Eut M-e believe Thy footsteps trod

8

Its streets and plains, Thou Sox of
We did not see Thee lifted high
Amid that wild and savage crew,
In or heard Thy meek, imploring

9

" Forgive, they know not what they
Yet we believe the deed was done,
Which shook the earth and
veil'd the sun.

10

We stood not bv the emptv tomb
Where late Thy sacred Body lay,
Nor sat within that upper room,
Nor met Thee in the open way ;

11

But we believe that Angels said,
[ ' ' Why seek the living with the dead ?"
1 mf We did not mark the chosen few,
I When Thou didst thro' the clouds

12

ascend,
; First lift to Heav'n their wondering
Then to the earth all prostrate
Yet we believe that mortal eyes

13

Beheld that journey to the skies.
And now that Thou dost reign on high,
! And thence Thy waiting people
I mf No ray of glory from the sky

14

Doth shine upon our wilderness ;
FBut we believe Thy faithful Word,
And trust in our Redeeming Loed. '

14

Amen.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "We know Thee Who Thou art"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #181 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 15 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: S.M
Stanza Structure: 15 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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