By Darren Glenewinkel
revised by Pastor Clinton Macomber
This is a hymn of deep commitment for every true child of God. Judson Wheeler Van DeVenter was born on December 5, 1855. He penned this hymn in 1896. After several years as a teacher of art in Sharon, Pennsylvania; Van DeVenter worked with Wilbur Chapman and others both in the United States and Great Britain (England). This song was written while Van DeVenter was conducting a meeting in the home of George Sebring (founder of Sebring Camp meeting Bible Conference in Sebring, Ohio). After a struggle between a career in the field of Art or full-time evangelistic work, Judson Van DeVenter surrendered his all to Christ at a pivotal hour in his life. Upon surrender, a new day was ushered into his life and he discovered down deep in his soul a hidden talent that had been unknown to him. God Himself placed a new song in his heart, and Van DeVenter began to sing anew. He was a professor of hymnology at the Florida Bible Institute (now known as Trinity Bible College) for four years. Van DeVenter was a companion of Wilbur Chapman, who was a statesman and an evangelist in the nineteenth century.
This hymn was composed by Winfeld S. Weeden in 1896. He was born on March 29, 1847, in Ohio. Winfeld Weeden had published a number of religious books on music but this song, which was one of his favorites, was inscribed on his tombstone.
Twenty-seven years after this hymn was written, Judson Wheeler Van DeVanter was ushered into the presence of his Lord Jesus Christ, on July 17, 1939, while living in Florida. Winfeld S. Weeden followed him a year later, dying on July 31, 1908 in Bisby Lake, New York. As a hymn of consecration this song has been as inspiration throughout the ages to every believer who truly seeks the face of Christ his Lord.
Bibliography:
http://www.presioslordtakemyhand.com/christianhymns/alltojesus.html
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/html/i/s/isurrend.htm
http://www.chyverhymnal.org/bio/v/a/vandeventer_jw.htm
Forrest M. McCann, Hymns & History, ACU Press 1997, p. 539
Picture: http://www.cyberyhymnal.org/bio/v/a/vandeventer_jw.htm
