Almighty father of mankind

Author: Michael Bruce

Bruce, Michael, son of a Scottish weaver, was born at Kinnesswood, Portmoak, Kinrossshire, Scotland, March 27,1746, and educated at the village school, Edinburgh University (where he first became acquainted with John Logan), and the Theological Hall of the Associate Synod, held at Kinross, under the Rev. John Swanston, intending ultimately to enter the ministry, a hope which was frustrated by his untimely death. To assist in procuring University fees and maintenance he for some time conducted a school, during the recess, at Gairney Bridge, and subsequently at Forrest Mill, near Tillicoultry. Whilst yet a student he died at Kinnesswood, July 5th, 1767. [Also, see Logan, John] The names of Michael Bruce and John Logan are brought together… Go to person page >

Almighty Father of mankind. M. Bruce. [Providence.] We attribute this hymn to M. Bruce on grounds stated in his Memoir in this work. It was written probably about 1764, and first published in J. Logan's Poems, 1781, No. 3, in 3 stanzas of 4 lines. Its use is not extensive in Great Britain, but it is found in many of the American hymnals. Text from Logan in Dr. Grosart's Works of Michael Bruce, 1865.

-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)