Eternal Ruler of the ceaseless round

Eternal Ruler of the ceaseless round. John W. Chadwick* (1840-1904). This majestic and dignified hymn was written for the graduating class at Harvard Divinity School, 19 June 1864. It was a very appropriate prayer of personal dedication for those about to set out on a lifetime’s service in the ministry. Wesley Milgate* notes (Songs of the People of God, 1982), that it was written during the Civil War: ‘the atmosphere of anxiety and suspense, and the bitterness and hatred engendered by years of war, give great resonance and urgency to this prayer for unity’ (p. 187). The unity, however, is concerned primarily with an ideal of Christian service: the hymn asks for guidance (verse 1), to be at...