HYMN #0401 A&M #401 • Ancient & Modern Meter: 7 7 7 7 8 8 Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #401: Now the labourer's task is o'er

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

Now the labourer's task is o'er ;
Now the battle day is past ;
Nov.- upon the farther shore
• grief'; and Lands the voyager at last.

Father, in Thy gracious keeping
Leave we now Thy servant sleeping.
When we mourn the lost, the dear,
Jesu, Hon of Mary, hear.

Thou our throbbing flesh hast
Thou our mortal Griefs hast borne,
Thou hast shed the human tear ;
Jesu, Son of Mary, hear.

When the solemn death-bell tolls
For our own departed souls,
When our final doom is near,
Jesc, Son of Mary, hear.

There its hidden things are clear ;
There the work of life is tried
By a juster Judge than here.
L Father, in Thy gracious keeping

save we now Thy servant sleeping
There the sinful souls, that turn
To the Cross their dying eyes,
All the love of Christ shall learn

At His Feet in Paradise.
Father, in Thy gracious keeping
Leave we now Thy servant sleeping
BCRIAL OF THE DEAD.

nf There no more the powers of hell p Jescs calls us (cr) from the worship
Can prevail to mar their peace : Of the vain world's golden store,
Christ the Lord shall guard them From each idol that would keep u
He Who died for their release.

V Father, in Thy gracious keeping
Leave we now Thy servant sleeping.
'•Earth to earth, and dust to dust,"
Calmly now the words we say,

Leaving him to sleep in trust
E . in Thy gracious keeping
.Leave we now Thy serrant si

Amen.

← Prev (#400) Hymn 401 of 638 Next (#402) →

🔎 Browse All 638 A&M Hymns

Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Now the labourer's task is o'er"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #401 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: 7 7 7 7 8 8
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.

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 →