HYMN #0258 A&M #258 • Ancient & Modern Meter: D.S.M Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #258: I was a wandering sheep

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

1

" When he haili found it, he layeth it en
I was a wandering sheep,
I did not love the fold,
I did not love my Shepherd's voice,
I would not be controll'd.
I was a wayward child,
I did not love my home,
I did not love my Father's voice,

2

I loved afar to roam.
The Shepherd sought His sheep,
The Father sought His child.
They follow'd me o'er vale and hill,
O'er deserts, waste and wild ;
They found me (%) nigh to death,
Famish'd, and faint, and lone;
They bound me with the bands of

3

love,
They saved the wandering one.
They spoke in tender love.
They raised my drooping head.
They gently closed my bleeding
wounds,
My fainting soul they fed ;
They washd my filth awav,

4

They made me clean and fair :
They brought me to my home in
eace.
The long-sought wanderer.
Jesus my Shepherd is.
'Twas He that loved my soul,
Twas He that wash'dine in His Blood,
'Twas He that made me whole ;

5

'Twas He that sought the lost,
That found the wunderinc sheep;
Twas He that brought me to the
Ti: He that still doth keep.
GENERAL HYMNS.
0 I wns a wandering sheep,
I would not be controlTd :
But now 1 love my Shepherd's voice,

6

I love, I love the folu.
I was a wayward child,
I once preierr'd to roam ;
But now 1 love my Fathers voice,
1 love, 1 love His home. Aniea.
" What reward shall I give unfo the Lord
or all the benefits that lie hath
259 d'-'ne u"t0 me-"

7

Thy Life was given for me,
Thy Blood, 0 Lord, was shed,
That 1 might ransom'd be,
And quicken'd from the dead ;
Thv Life was given for me ;
What have I given for Thee ?
Long years were spent for me
In weariness and woe,

8

That through eternity
Thy glory I might know :
Long years were spent for me ;
Have 1 spent one for Thee ?
wf Thv Father's Home of light,
Thv rainbow-circled Throne,
Were left for earthly night,
For wanderings sad and lone ;

9

P Yea. all was left for me ;
Have I left aught for Thee?
Thou, Lord, hast borne for me
More than my tongue can tell
Of bitterest agony,
To rescue me from hell ;
Thou suff'redst all for me ;
What have I borne for Thee?

10

And Thou hast brought to me
'Down from Thy Home above
Salvation full and free.
Thv pardon and Thy love ;
Great -Aits Thou hrouifhtest me ;
What have I brought to Thee ?
0 let my life be given,
My years for Thee be spent ;

11

World-fetters all be riven.
And joy with -uffenng blent ;
Thou gav'st Thv-elt inv me,
1 give myself to Thee.

11

Amen.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "I was a wandering sheep"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #258 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 12 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: D.S.M
Stanza Structure: 12 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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