1. I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Come unto Me and rest; Lay down, thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon My breast." I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad; I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad. 2. I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Behold, I freely give The living water; thirsty one, stoop down, and drink, and live." I came to Jesus, and I drank of that life giving stream; My thirst was quenched, my soul revived, and now I live in Him. 3. I heard the voice of Jesus say, "I am this dark world's Light; Look unto Me, thy morn shall rise, and all thy day be bright." I looked to Jesus, and I found in Him my Star, my Sun; And in that Light of life I'll walk, till traveling days are done.
Lyrics: Horatius Bonar
Music:
John Bacchus Dykes
Tune: VOX DILECTI
Meter: C.M.D.
Horatius Bonar, 1808–1889
Horatius Bonar was one of Scotland’s most gifted and influential ministers and writers of the 19th century. He wrote more than 600 hymn texts throughout his life. “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say,” first published in 1846, is generally considered to be his finest. Bonar wrote the lines while pastoring the Presbyterian church at Kelso, Scotland. He actually intended the hymn to be used by the children, since he was always concerned that they learn the truths of the person and work of Christ.