HYMN #0453 A&M #453 • Ancient & Modern Meter: S.M, Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #453: O Shepherd of the sheep

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

1

" The memory of the just is blessed.'
For a Bishop
O Shepherd of the sheep,
High Priest of things to come

2

Who didst in grace Thy servant keep,
And take him safely home.
His zeal unquench'd through length
The trials that he bare. f of days,

3

W Chief of Thy faithful band
He held himself the least.
1 Though Thy dread keys Mere in his
, 0 everlasting Priest. Lhainl,

4

So, trusting in Thy might,
He won a fair renown :
So. waxing valiant in the fight,
He trod the lion down.

5

The charge Thy love had given,
And pass'd away (cr) Thy Face to see
Reveal'd in highest Heav'n.
w/On all our Bishops pour

6

The Spirit of Thy grace ;
That, as he won the palm of yore,
So they may run their race ;
That, when this life is done,

7

They may with him adore
The ever Blessed Three in One,
In bliss for evermore.

7

Amen.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "O Shepherd of the sheep"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #453 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 8 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: S.M,
Stanza Structure: 8 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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