As Men of Old Their First Fruits Brought

“As Saints of Old” is a thoughtful hymn by Frank von Christierson that reflects on the long history of God’s people who have offered themselves and their gifts in gratitude to the Lord. The hymn begins by recalling the saints of earlier generations who gave their offerings with sincere hearts and with a spirit of worship. Their lives remind believers that every good gift is a trust from God, and that genuine worship involves returning those gifts to Him with thankfulness. Christierson uses gentle and dignified language to connect the practice of giving with the larger story of faith, showing that every act of offering, whether great or small, becomes part of a continuous testimony of devotion to the Lord.

The hymn invites believers to think of giving not as a duty performed out of pressure but as an act of love. It calls worshippers to bring their gifts before God with the same spirit of dedication that marked the saints of previous ages. This theme draws from Hebrews, where Christians are encouraged to run their race with patience while surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Their example helps the church understand that giving is a spiritual response to God’s mercy. Christierson ties this truth to the biblical teaching found in Romans, where believers are urged to present their bodies as living sacrifices. In this way, giving becomes more than financial stewardship, for it reflects the offering of one’s whole life to the service of God.

Christierson’s writing is known for its clarity, reverence, and pastoral warmth, and this hymn reflects those strengths. It is written with a tone that encourages reflection rather than pressure, allowing congregations to consider the motives that shape their giving. The hymn gently reminds believers that the earth is the Lord’s and that everything they possess comes from His hand. When worshippers give freely and cheerfully, they mirror the saints of old who recognized that thanksgiving is at the heart of true worship. This connection between past and present strengthens the unity of the church across the generations.

“As Saints of Old” continues to hold a meaningful place in worship because it speaks to the enduring call to offer gifts with sincerity and joy. Its message invites believers to see giving as an expression of faith, gratitude, and participation in God’s ongoing work. Through its calm rhythm and devotional tone, the hymn leads worshippers to consider how they might honor God with their resources, time, and abilities. It lifts the mind toward the glory of God and the privilege of joining the faithful who came before, encouraging today’s church to live with the same trust and dedication as the saints whose examples shine so brightly across the years.