HYMN #0415 A&M #415 • Ancient & Modern Meter: L.M Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #415: The great forerunner of the morn

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

he shall prepare the way before
The great forerunner of the morn,
The herald of the Word, is born :
And faithful hearts shall never fail

With thanks and praise his light to
hail.
With heavenly message Gabriel came,
That John should be that herald's

name,
And with prophetic utterance told
His actions great and manifold.
THE NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN BAPTIST.

John, still unborn, yet gave aright
And Christ, the Sun of all the
earth,
Fulfill'd that witness at His Birth.

Of woman-born shall never be
A greater Prophet than was he,
Whose mighty deeds exalt his fame
To greater than a Prophet's name.

M/But why should mortal accents
aise Tpraise ?
The hymn of John the Baptist's
. or e'er his course was run,

Thus spake the Father to the Sox :
" Behold, My herald, who shall go
Before Thy Face Thy way to show,
And shine, as with the day-star's

gleam.
Before Thine own eternal beam."
All praise to God the Father be,
All praise Thee,
Whom with the Spirit we adore
For ever and for evermore.

Amen.

← Prev (#414) Hymn 415 of 638 Next (#416) →

🔎 Browse All 638 A&M Hymns

Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "The great forerunner of the morn"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #415 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 9 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: L.M
Stanza Structure: 9 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 →