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HYMN #0043 A&M #43 • Ancient & Modern Meter: CM Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #43: To-day, O Lord, a holier work

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

1
heaven be gathered together, unto one
lace, and let the dry land appear :
and it was so. . . . And the evening
40 a,)ld the morning were the third day.''
2
w/Thou spakest, Lord, and into one
The floods together flow'd :
Freed from its watery veil, the land
Its verdant pastures show'd.
3
O Father, Who the earth hast given
Cur place of toil to be,
Knit all within its one wide bound
In one true charity.
4
Strangers and pilgrims here below,
We seek a home above.
Where Thou wilt gather in Thine own
Who live in holy love.
5
Unloving souls, with deeds of ill
And words of angry strife,
Shall never, Lord, Thy glory see,.
Nor win the heavenly life.
6
The earth itself from day to day
Their burden scarce sustains,
And yearns, in travail, to be free
From dark corruption's chains.
7
Yea, we too groan within ourselves,
And that adoption wait
For which the Holy Spirit's seal
Did us predestinate.
8
Eternal glory be ascribed -
To God, the One in Three,
By Whom is pour'd into our hearts
The grace of charity.
8
Amen.
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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "To-day, O Lord, a holier work"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #43 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: CM
  • 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.
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