HYMN #0408 A&M #408 • Ancient & Modern Meter: 7.7.7.7 Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #408: Bishop of the souls of men

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

1

Bishop of the souls of men,
When the foeman 's step is nigh,
When the wolf lays v/ait by night
For the lambs continually,

2

Watch, 0 Lord, about us keep,
Guard us, Shepherd of the sheep.
When the hireling flees away.
Caring only for his gold,

3

And the gate unguarded stands
At the entrance to the fold,
Stand, 0 Lord, Thv flock bfefore,
Thou the Guardian, Thou the Door,

4

ST. MATTHIAS
jf Lord, Whose guiding finger ruled
In the casting of the lot.
That Thy Church might fill the throne

5

Of the lost Iscariot,
In our trouble ever thus
Stand, good Master, nigh to us.
When the Saints their order take

6

In the New Jerusalem,
And Matthias stands elect,
Give us part and lot with him,
Wherein Thine own dwelling-place

7

We may witness face to face. Ainen.
Ok Annunciation of tfjc
SlcssrtJ Firgtn fHarg.
"Behold, a Virgin (hall be with child,

8

arid shall bring forth a Son, and
they shall call His XameEmmar, uel,
which being interpreted is, God with
Praise we the Lord this day,

9

This day so long foretold.
Whose promise shone with cheering
On waiting saints of old.
The Prophet gave the sign

10

For faithful men to read ;
A Virgin, born of David's line,
Shall bear the promised Seed.
Ask not how this should be,

11

£But worship and adore :
ke her. whom Heaven 's Majesty
Came down to shadow o'er.
Meekly she bow'd her head

12

To hear the gracious word,
Man-, the pure and lowly maid,
The favour'a of the Lord."
Blessed shall be her name

13

In all the Church on earth,
Through whom that wondrous mercy
The Incarnate Saviour's birth.
Jest-, the Virgin's Sox,
We praise Thee and adore,
And Spirit evermore.

13

Amen.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Bishop of the souls of men"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #408 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 14 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
Stanza Structure: 14 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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