Jesus Loves Me

One of the most delightful things for any minister is to have a congregation with plenty of children and young people.

What life - and laughter - and fun they bring about the place! They seem to be always happy; they're so full of excitement; and - they're nearly always good!

I like their cute little faces, their wide excited eyes and their simple, trusting ways. I like their singing too. There's something very special about the lisping, lilting voices of children that touches the heart.

Of course the hymn which is most closely associated with children is "Jesus Loves Me."

It was written in 1859 by Susan and Anna Warner who were the daughters of a New York lawyer. The two young women were talented writers and in 1859 published a novel entitled Say and Seal. It became a best seller.

However, even the very best of novels remain popular for only a limited time, and "Say and Seal," was no exception. Eventually it went the way of all the others.

But as long as "Jesus Loves Me," is still sung by children it will never be entirely forgotten. As a poem it first appeared within the pages of the Warner girls' novel.

In the story, two of the characters, Faith Derrick and John Endecott Linden are greatly concerned for a very sick little fellow named Johnny Fax.

Johnny's condition becomes critical and, in his misery, he asks Mr. Linden, who was also the Sunday School teacher, to take him up in his strong arms and comfort him. Mr. Linden readily does so and, picking up the feverish boy, walks slowly back and forth across the room trying to console him.