As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love (John 15:9 KJV).

When I was growing up, I often heard the phrase ‘simple is best’ more times than I can count. It is still true today. Why create a masterpiece only to hide the truth amid clutter?

The classic hymn “Jesus Loves Me” is one of those songs with simple words and simple notes revealing profound truth to the reader, singer, and musician. Discovering how this treasure came to be was a thrilling journey.

I first read about the Warners in Robert J. Morgan’s Then Sings My Soul Book 3. If you haven’t read his books. Go purchase them. They will feed your heart, soul, and mind. I use them for devotions, private worship, and references. The background stories have lifted my flagging spirit many times.

Let’s get started.

Author

Henry Warner was a New York lawyer. He purchased land on the east side of the Hudson River called Constitution Island. He and his brother planned to build a resort hotel. When Henry lost his money in a financial disaster, he moved his family there instead. When he couldn’t pay his bills, the sheriff confiscated most of their personal belongings. His wife and several children passed, leaving two teenage daughters. His sister became a surrogate mom for Susan and Anna.

The girls spent their time learning as much as they could about nature, life, and the Bible. Both became prolific writers. Susan’s first book, The Wide, Wide World, was published by George Putnam and sold in bookstores. Anna’s first book, Dollars and Cents, was published under a pseudonym. Later they coauthored a Victorian Christian romance novel published in 1860. Anna wrote the first verse of Jesus Loves Me for a scene in that book. People loved it. When William B. Bradbury read the novel, he created a tune and added a chorus. The song became what we sing today.

That should inspire all writers!

Anyway, back to the story. Their ancestors fought in the American Revolution alongside George Washington. Susan and Anna taught Bible classes to West Point cadets. Both women were buried at West Point.

There is so much more about these ladies. I would love to see a historical novel based on their lives!

Song

Jesus Loves me! this I know,
For the Bible tells me so;
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus loves me! He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide;
He will wash away my sin,
Let His little child come in.

Jesus loves me! He will stay
Close beside me all the way;
Thou has bled and died for me,
I will henceforth live for Thee.

Anna B. Warner | William B. Bradbury | Public Domain | 1859

Note

My hymnals listed different verses. I included the ones that were in more than one book.

I hope you enjoyed finding out more about this beloved hymn. Do you still sing this song? Share in the comments.