HYMN #0079 A&M #79 • Ancient & Modern Meter: 7 7 7 7 7 7 Hymns Ancient & Modern (638)

A&M Hymn #79: As with gladness men of old

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

1

As with gladness men of old
Did the guiding star behold,
As with joy they hailYl its light,
Leading onward, beaming bright ;

2

So, most gracious Lord, may we
Evermore be led to Thee.
As with joyful steps they sped,
Saviour, to Thy lowly bed.

3

There to bend the knee before
Thee Whom Heav'n and earth adore;
So may we with willing feet
Ever seek Thy mercy-seat.

4

As they offer'd gifts most rare
At Tli) cradle rude and bare ;
So may we with holy joy,
Pure and free from sin's alloy,

5

All our costliest treasures bring,
Christ, to Thee our heavenly King.
Holy Jestjs, every day
Keep us in the narrow way ;

6

And, when earthly things are past,
Bring our ransom 'd souls at last
Where they need no star to guide,
Where no clouds Thy giory hide.

7

In the Heav'nly country bright
Need thev no created litrht ;
Thou its Light, its Joy, its Crown.
Thou its Sun which goes not down ;
There for ever may we sing
Alleluias to our King.

7

Amen.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "As with gladness men of old"

Collection: Hymns Ancient & Modern

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is designated as Hymn #79 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: 7 7 7 7 7 7
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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