Thomas Ken

Thomas Ken – Life, Ministry, and Lasting Hymns

Discover the life of Thomas Ken (1637–1711), an English bishop, non-juror, and hymn-writer. Explore his biography, theological convictions, pastoral legacy, and his much-loved hymns and quotations.

Introduction

Thomas Ken (July 1637 – 19 March 1711) was an English cleric and bishop, renowned as one of the leading non-juring bishops and a foundational figure in English hymnody.

Though he was deprived of his episcopal seat for refusing to swear allegiance to the new monarchs after the Glorious Revolution, Ken left a spiritual legacy through his humility, integrity, devotion, and especially through his hymns — most famously the Doxology: “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow.”

This article traces Ken’s life, ministry, theological outlook, struggles, and enduring influence in Christian worship.

Early Life & Education

Thomas Ken was born in July 1637 at Little Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire, England. John Chalkhill, and through marriage his stepsister was Izaak Walton’s wife — thus Ken was connected by family to Walton, author of The Compleat Angler.

In his youth, Ken was educated at Winchester College (a school with strong Anglican and liturgical tradition) and later proceeded to Oxford University, gaining a fellowship at New College.

He was ordained around 1662 and held successive parish livings, including in Little Easton (Essex), Brighstone (Isle of Wight), and East Woodhay (Hampshire). Manual of Prayers for the scholars of Winchester College, and began writing hymns (morning, evening, and midnight) for congregational or private devotion.

His hymns “Awake, my soul, and with the sun” (Morning Hymn) and “Glory to Thee, my God, this night” / “All praise to Thee, my God, this night” (Evening Hymn) were among his early and enduring contributions.

Episcopal Ministry & Conflict

Bishop of Bath and Wells

In 1685, under King Charles II, Ken was consecrated Bishop of Bath and Wells, a prominent see in the Church of England.

One anecdote from his time in Winchester (prior to his bishopric) illustrates his integrity: when King Charles II’s court was lodged in the city and the king’s mistress (Nell Gwyn) was housed in his residence, Ken strongly objected and insisted she be removed — showing his unwillingness to compromise conscience for royal favor.

He also took part in the ministry of comfort to Charles II on his deathbed, displaying his pastoral presence at pivotal moments.

The Non-jurors & Removal

The Glorious Revolution (1688) brought new challenges. King James II published the Declaration of Indulgence, which Ken, along with six other bishops (the “Seven Bishops”), refused to promulgate in churches — on grounds of conscience about episcopal authority and religious freedom. They were arrested and confined to the Tower of London, but later acquitted.

After William and Mary took the throne, all officials were required to take new oaths of allegiance. Ken refused, because he believed his prior oath to James II could not ethically be superseded. This refusal placed him among the non-jurors (those who would not “swear anew”) and led to his deprivation: he was removed from his bishopric in 1691, and Richard Kidder replaced him.

In his non-juror years, Ken mostly lived in retirement, particularly at Longleat, the seat of his friend Thomas Thynne, 1st Viscount Weymouth, who offered him hospitality.

Although there were later opportunities to resume episcopal office (for example, after the death of Bishop Kidder in 1703), Ken declined, citing weakness and a preference for devoted quiet life.

He died on 19 March 1711 at Longleat, Wiltshire. Frome, within his former diocese, at dawn the next day, with his faithful friends singing his Morning Hymn.

His final words are recorded as “God’s will be done.”

Theology, Spirituality & Hymnody

While Ken did not produce systematic theological treatises, his spirituality and hymnody carry deep theological and devotional features.

Conscience & Loyalty

Ken’s refusal to swear new oaths is often interpreted as a strong emphasis on conscience, moral consistency, and the integrity of promise. His stand made him emblematic of the non-juror movement, which valued ecclesial continuity, apostolic authority, and sacramental theology over political expediency.

Worship, Prayer & Devotional Life

Ken’s life was saturated with prayer, liturgy, and devotion. His Manual of Prayers and his hymns reflect a structured devotional life with morning, evening, and midnight prayers, designed not just for clergy but for ordinary Christians to sanctify daily time.

His hymns often begin or end with the Doxology (“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow …”) which has become one of the best known Christian hymns globally, often used independently in worship.

His hymn “Awake, my soul, and with the sun …” invites daily consecration, noting a rhythm of waking, praise, and duty.

Humility, Simplicity & Pastoral Charity

Even after his deprivation, Ken continued pastoral counsel, correspondence, and support of reconciliation between non-jurors and the established Church, without major animosity. He carried a reputation for moral sweetness, charity, and humility. He influenced others less by polemic than by example.

He also encouraged frequent communion, the upkeep of church buildings, and ethical conduct of clergy in his diocese.

Famous Quotes & Hymn Lines

Here are some well-known quotations and hymn lines by Thomas Ken, reflecting his spiritual voice:

“Praise God, from whom all blessings flow! / Praise Him, all creatures here below! / Praise Him above, ye heavenly host! / Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!”
— the Doxology (often used singly)

“Awake my soul, and with the sun Thy daily stage of duty run. … All praise to Thee, my God, this night, for all the blessings of the light; Keep me, O keep me, King of Kings, beneath Thy own almighty wings.”
— Morning Hymn / Evening Hymn lines

“Redeem thy misspent time that’s past, And live this day as if thy last.”

“Teach me to live, that I may dread The grave as little as my bed.”

“Remember that God under the Law ordained a Lamb to be offered up to Him every Morning and Evening.”

“Hell trembles at a heaven-directed eye.”

“Generosity is only benevolence in practice.”

“When you read any great mystery, recorded in holy Writ, you are to prostrate your Reason to Divine Revelation.”

At his death, his last phrase was recorded as:

“God’s will be done.”

These lines show his deep devotion, humility before divine mystery, daily piety, and his poetic grace.

Legacy & Influence

• Thomas Ken is remembered as one of England’s great hymn writers; his hymns are still sung in Anglican, Episcopal, and many Protestant traditions around the world.

• The Doxology, especially, transcended its original hymn context to become a universal liturgical and congregational staple.

• His moral and spiritual example as a bishop who held conscience over expedience continues to be cited in church history and in reflections on integrity in public life.

• The non-juror movement, of which he was one of the most respected bishops, played a role in Anglican history, emphasizing sacramental continuity, episcopal order, and the theology of apostolic succession.

• His devout life, even in retirement, has inspired Christian devotion, particularly in the practice of daily prayer, hymns, and consistency of character.

Lessons from Thomas Ken

1. Stand for conscience — Ken shows that moral conviction may demand costly choice, but integrity leaves a lasting legacy.

2. Worship shapes life — His hymns and prayer writings teach that liturgy is not mere formality but a shaping force in the believer’s daily rhythm.

3. Devotion in small things — His consistent prayer life, simple habits, and pastoral care show that spiritual influence often comes through consistency, not power.

4. Grace in adversity — Even when deprived of his office, he maintained charity, humility, and devotion — showing that suffering need not produce bitterness.

5. Enduring words — A few honest lines in a hymn or prayer may echo through centuries; Ken’s legacy is carried daily in congregational song.

Conclusion

Thomas Ken was more than a historical bishop; he was a man of prayer, principle, and poetic devotion. Though he faced political and ecclesiastical upheaval, he preserved a spiritual authority grounded in conscience, pastoral care, and worship. His hymns — especially the Doxology and his Morning and Evening Hymns — continue to bless worshipers centuries later.