GOSPEL >> Consecration
SDAH 321
My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine;
for thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou;
if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
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For Worship Leaders
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Hymn Spotlight: My Jesus, I Love Thee
This cherished hymn of love and consecration is believed to have been written by William Ralf Featherstone, a young Canadian Methodist. Though long thought to be penned at age 12, recent research suggests he may have written it around 1862, at age 15 or 16. The depth of the lyrics—expressing unwavering devotion to Jesus in life and in death—reflect a remarkable maturity of faith. The poem was sent to his aunt in Los Angeles and eventually published in The Northwestern Hymn Book in 1868. Sadly, Featherstone died young, at age 26, never knowing the lasting impact of his words. The tune we now sing, named GORDON, was composed by Baptist pastor and hymnwriter Adoniram Judson Gordon. Dissatisfied with an earlier tune, he prayed and then wrote this melody to match the fervent devotion of the text. With its tender, singable lines, the hymn became a beloved anthem of personal surrender. It continues to be a heartfelt expression of love for Christ, echoing the spirit of Revelation 12:11—of those who “loved not their lives unto the death” because of their love for Jesus.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
These words have attributed to a consecrated Canadian lad, William Ralf Featherstone. The poem was supposed to have been written in 1858, but if that date is correct then he would have been only 12 years old, which hardly seems possible in consideration of the sophisticated language and spiritual concepts in the hymn. Recent research by Leonard Ellinwood, distinguished American hymnologist, reveals a letter from a colleague in London that states the first published form of this hymn is on page 640 of Primitive Methodist Magazine, London, October 1862. In light of this, William would have been 15 or 16 when he wrote the poem. He sent it to his aunt, Mrs. E. Wilson, then living in Los Angeles, who was instrumental in getting it published. According to David J. Beattie, in his The Romance of Sacred Song, London, 1931, “The original copy of the hymn, in the author’s handwriting, is still a cherished treasure in the family.” It’s first printing in America was in D. L. Moody’s The Northwestern Hymn Book, 1868.
Featherstone (in some books Featherston) was born July 23, 1846. In Montreal, Canada, and spent his life there. He and his parents were members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church ( now St. James United Church). He died on May 20, 1873.
Adoniram Judson Gordon found the words with a tune in The London Hymn Book, 1864, but marked anonymous. He felt that the tune was unsuitable, so after prayer and meditation he composed this one, which was later named after him. Born April 19, 1836, in New Hampton, New Hampshire, he was educated at Brown University and Newton Theological Seminary. Ordained to the Baptist ministry in 1863, Gordon served first in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts, and then in the Clarendon Street Baptist Church, Boston. He edited a monthly, The Watchword, and was the author of a devotional series titled Quiet Talks. He was one of the editors of The Service of Song for Baptist Churches, 1871, and edited The Vestry Hymn and Tune Book, 1872. When evangelist D.L. Moody came to town, Gordon became a good friend and helper in the public meetings. He died in Boston on February 2, 1895.
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Stanza:
1 – John 21:17
Isaiah 43:14, 3
2 – 1 John 4:19
Mark 15:17
3 – Psalm 146:2
4 – John 14:2
Revelation 2:10
Text
1
My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the follies of sin I resign.
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
2
I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
3
I’ll love Thee in life, I will love Thee ’til death,
And praise Thee as long as Thou lendest me breath;
And say when the death dew lies cold on my brow,
if ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
4
In mansions of glory and endless delight;
I’ll ever adore Thee in heaven so bright;
I’ll sing with the glittering crown on my brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) John 21:17; Isa 43:14, 3 (b) 1 John 4:19; Mark 15:17 (c) Ps 146:2 (d) John 14:2; Rev 2:10
Author
William Ralf Featherstone (1846-1873)
Hymn Tune
GORDON
Metrical Number
11.11.11.11.
Composer
Adoniram J. Gordon (1836-1895)
