HYMN #0615 A&M #615 • Ancient & Modern Meter: L.M Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #615: He sat to watch o'er customs paid

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

" And as He passed by, He saiv Levi Vie
son of Alpha us sitting at the
eceipt of custom, and said unto
ol4 him, Follow Me."

Behold, the Master passeth by !
Oh, seest thou not His pleading
eye?
With low sad voice He calleth

thee ;—
Leave this vain world and follow
0 soul, bow'd down with harrowing
are,

Hast thou no thought for Heav'n to
spare?
From earthly toils lift up thine
eye ;—

Behold, the Master passeth by !
One heard Him calling long ago.
And straightway left all things below,
Counting his earthly gain as loss

For Jesus and His blessed Cross.
That "Follow Me" his faithful ear
Seem'd every day afresh to hear :
Its echoes stirr'd his spirit still,

And fired his hope, and nerved his
God sweetly calls us every day :
Why should we then our bliss de-
He calls to Heav n and endless light :

Why should we love the dreary night ?
th 'Praise. Lord, to Thee for Mat-
thew's call,
At which he left his earthly all :

Thou, Lord, e'en now art calling
ST. MATTHIAS THE APOSTLE
615 " Matthew the publican,"
hj/He sat to watch o'er customs paid

A man of scorn'd and hardening
trade ;
Alike the symbol and the tool
Of foreign masters' hated rule,

But grace within his breast hoc
There needed but the timelv word ;
vlt came, true Loud of souls I lion
Thee,

That royal summons, " Follow Me."
Enough, when Thou wert passing by
To hear Thy voice, to meet Thine eye
He rose, responsive to the call,

And left his task, his gains, his all
0 wise exchange ! with these tc
And lay up treasure in Thy heart ;
With twofold crown of light to shine

Amid Thy servants' foremost line I
Come, Saviour, as in days of old ;
Pass where the world has strongest
And faithless care and selfish greed

Are thorns that choke the holy seed
Who keep Thy gifts, 0 bid then
laim
The steward's, not the owner's name
I will leave all, and follow Thee.

Amen.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "He sat to watch o'er customs paid"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #615 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 16 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: 16 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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