O MASTER, LET ME WALK WITH THEE

Washington Gladden was a Congregational pastor.  He was named Washington because his great-grandfather served as George Washington’s bodyguard during the Revolutionary War.  Washington pastored in New York, Massachusetts and Ohio during the post-Civil War industrial era when racial and economic injustice was rampant.  At that time, many were searching for a new ethical standard and Washington wanted to give them one!

He is often remembered as the father of the Social Gospel.  He was an activist who crusaded tirelessly for political and moral reform in commerce and politics.  He was a champion of the working man, a strong supporter of union rights, and was not afraid to attack corruption in politics.

Many would remember him as advancing the liberal-leaning biblical view that undercut conservative theology at the turn of the century.  He infuriated his own denomination by railing against a large gift to assist foreign missions because it was donated by the Standard Oil Company.  During a specifically heavy period of criticism, he sat alone in his church and wrote this poem. 

Dr. Charles H. Richards later saw it in a magazine.  He loved the poem…but was troubled by one of the verses.  After discarding that verse, Charles Richards selected music for the poem and it was included in his book, Christian Praise. 

It might seem ironic that Christians of all stripes and belief have embraced this hymn as a prayer of their own, while they labour for the Master in a world that needs Christ.  It’s a profound message!