It was written in 1894 by Arthur Campbell Ainger as a tribute to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Edward White Benson.

[1][2] In 1894, Ainger was a Master at Eton College, where he had a reputation for being a fair teacher and had the respect of his pupils for a reasonable approach to discipline at the school.

Ainger wrote "God Is Working His Purpose Out" as a tribute to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Edward White Benson, who was a former Master at Rugby School and headmaster at Wellington College.

Some modern hymn books also do not use "Benson" as the tune, instead using "Purpose", written by Martin Shaw in 1953.

"God Is Working his Purpose Out"'s refrain is based on Habakkuk 2:14; "For the earth will be filled With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, As the waters cover the sea."