1. O Master, let me walk with Thee In lowly paths of service free; Tell me Thy secret; help me bear The strain of toil, the fret of care. 2. Help me to slow the heart to move By some clear, winning word of love; Teach me the wayward feet to stay, And guide them in the homeward way. 3. Teach me Thy patience! Still with Thee In closer, dearer company, In work that keeps faith sweet and strong, In trust that triumphs over wrong; 4. In hope that sends a shining ray Far down the future's broadening way, In peace that only Thou canst give, With Thee, O Master, let me live.
Lyrics: Washington Gladden
Music: Henry Percy Smith
Tune: MARYTON
Meter: L.M.
Washington Gladden, 1836–1918
This hymn, published in 1879, comes from a period of religious history in America when there was much emphasis given to the social implications of the gospel. The Civil War had ended and the country was in the midst of a great industrial revolution. Many of our country’s more liberal clergymen became enthusiastic champions for the cause of social justice. One of the recognized leaders of the social gospel movement was Washington Gladden, known not only for his influential pulpiteering and writing but also for his negotiations in various national labor disputes and strikes. It was always his conviction that it was the duty of the Christian Church to “elevate the masses not only spiritually and morally, but to be concerned about their social and economic welfare as well.” Although Gladden was widely known in his day for his persuasive preaching and writing, he is remembered particularly today for this one hymn text.