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HYMN #0552 A&M #552 • Ancient & Modern Meter: L.M Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #552: Look down upon us, God of grace

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

1
&iD look'd down from Heav'n
above,
All was life and joy and love
Ah ! the doleful change when sin
2
Darkly, subtly enter'd in !
War and pestilence and dearth
Mar and sadden God's fair earth ;
Human sorrow fills the air ;
3
Death is reigning everywhere.
Yet rejoice ; for God on high
Hath not left His world to die !
God's dear Son*, with dying breath,
4
Broke the power ot sin and death ;
Christ the Tempter overthrew.
Chri.vt is making all things new.
Lord, in me be sin subdued,
5
o may i with heart renewed, -
-Fight the fight and run the race,
Work in my appointed place,
Of Thy perfect Heav'n and earth.
6
" Verily when we were with you. we t,ld
K94 J'°" bifore that wc thouid suffer
Fab. down the ages now,
Her journey well-nigh done,
7
The pilgrim Church pursues her waT,
And longs to reach her crown.
an No wider is the gate,
No 1 roader is the way.
8
No smoother is the ancient path
That leads to light and day.
a/No feebler is the foe.
No slacker grows the fight.
9
Nor less the heed of armour tried,
Of shield and helmet bright.
a- Thus onward still we press,
Through evil and through good,
10
Through pain, or poverty, or want,
Through peril or through blood.
Still faithful to our God,
And to our Captain true,
11
We follow where He leads the way,
The Kingdom still in view. Amen
"T, me to lire is C*irist and to
535 die is gain."
12
Lord, it belongs not to my care
To love and serve Thee is my share,
] And this Thy grace must give.
I If life be long, oh make me glad
13
The longer to obey :
If short, no labourer is sad
To end his toilsome day.
Christ leads me through no darker
14
ooms
Than He went through before ;
He that unto God's kingdom comes
Must enter by this door,
15
GENERAL HYMNS.
Come, Lord, when grace hath made
Tliy blessed Face to see :
j- For if Thy work on earth be sweet,
16
What will Thy glory be !
Then I shall end my sad complaints
And weary sinful days,
WJ/And join with the triumphant
17
That sing my Saviour's praise.
My knowledge of that life is small,
The eye of iaith i.i dim ;
But 'tis enough that Christ knows
• And I shall be with Him.
17
Amen.
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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Look down upon us, God of grace"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #552 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 18 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: 18 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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