Long Ago You Taught Your People

This is a traditional-style hymn about generosity and good stewardship, and God as the source of everything that we have.

It was written by English-born mathematician, IT professional, hymn-writer and Baptist elder, Martin Leckebusch (b 1962).  It was first published in 2000 by Kevin Mayhew, Ltd, England.

With meter 8.7.8.7 D, tunes it is set to include:

• HYFRYDOL by Rowland Huw Prichard (1811–87)
• NETTLETON, composer unknown, from Repository of Sacred Music, Part Second, Harrisburg, 1813; sometimes attributed to early 19th century evangelist Asahel Nettleton (1783-1844)

Image adapted from Farmland Bird Crop. License:  CC BY 4.0

Downloads

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Examples

Instrumental - xylophone, tune NETTLETON

Instrumental - organ, tune

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

1. Long ago you taught your people: ‘Part of what you reap is mine—
... make us eager, Lord, to give.

2. What a way of life you showed us through the Son you gladly gave:
... firmly fixed in heart and mind.

3. In the life-style of the Spirit giving has a central part;
... all we have belongs to you!

See more ...

• Hymns about giving
• Hymns about stewardship

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY 1. Long ago you taught your people:
‘Part of what you reap is mine—
from your cattle, bring the firstborn;
tithe the crops of field and vine.’
Though beneath the Law’s restrictions
we are not compelled to live,
as we reap our monthly harvest,
make us eager, Lord, to give.

2. What a way of life you showed us
through the Son you gladly gave:
never snared by earthly treasure,
buried in a borrowed grave –
yet to all he freely offered
riches of the deepest kind:
let us live with his example
firmly fixed in heart and mind.

3. In the life-style of the Spirit
giving has a central part;
teach us, Lord, this grace of sharing
with a cheerful, loving heart—
not a tiresome obligation,
not a barren legal due,
but an overflow of worship:
all we have belongs to you!