1. I must tell Jesus all of my trials, I cannot bear these burdens alone; In my distress He kindly will help me, He ever loves and cares for His own. 2. I must tell Jesus all of my troubles, He is a kind, compassionate friend; If I ask Him, He will deliver, Make of my troubles quickly and end. 3. O how the world to evil allures me! O how my heart is tempted to sin! I must tell Jesus, and He will help me Over the world the vict'ry to win. Chorus: I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! I cannot bear my burdens alone; I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus! Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.
Lyrics:
Elisha Albright Hoffman
Music:
Elisha Albright Hoffman
Tune: ORWIGSBURG
Meter: 10.9.10.9. with Refrain
Words and Music by Elisha A. Hoffman 1839–1929
Pastor Elisha A. Hoffman, author and composer of more than 2000 gospel songs, gave the following account of the writing of this well-loved hymn:
During a pastorate in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, there was a woman to whom God permitted many visitations of sorrow and affliction. Coming to her home one day, I found her much discouraged. She unburdened her heart, concluding with the question, “Brother Hoffman, what shall I do? What shall I do?” I quoted from the Word, then added, “You cannot do better than to take all of your sorrows to Jesus. You must tell Jesus.”
For a moment she seemed lost in mediation. Then her eyes lighted as she exclaimed, “Yes, I must tell Jesus.”
As I left her home I had a vision of that joy-illuminated face … and I heard all along my pathway the echo, “I must tell Jesus … I must tell Jesus.”
Pastor Hoffman quickly wrote the words and soon completed the music as well. This hymn was first published in 1894 in Pentecostal Hymns.