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HYMN #0042 A&M #42 • Ancient & Modern Meter: CM Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #42: The fish in wave, the bird on wing

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

1
"And God said. Let the waters bring forth
abundantly the mowing creature
that hath life, and fowl that may
ly above the earth. . . And the
2
, ntd the morning were the
42 fifth dag"
?h/Thk fish in wave, the bird on
God bade the waters bear ;
3
Each for our mortal body's food
His gracious hands prepare.
But other food, of richer cost,
The immortal spirit needs :
4
Bj faith it lives on even- word
That from His mouth proceeds.
Faith springing from the Blood of
And sinners, through the vanquished
5
Bow down to its command,
Its light the joy of Heav'n reveals
To hearts made pure within ;
And bids them seek by worthy deeds
6
Eternal crowns to win.
By faith the saints of old were
The lion's wrath to tame ;
By faith they spurn'd the tyrant's
7
threats,
And scorn 'd the raging flame.
Lord, grant that we the path may
tread
8
Whereon its light doth shine :
And gather, as we onward go,
The fruits of love Divine.
0 praise the Father ; praise the
9
On Whose most precious Blood
Rests all our faith : and praise to Him
Who wich Them Both is God.
9
Amen.
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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "The fish in wave, the bird on wing"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #42 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 10 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: CM
  • Stanza Structure: 10 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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