"More About Jesus" is a beloved and enduring gospel hymn that expresses a deep desire for spiritual growth and a closer relationship with Christ through the study of His Word and the experience of His love. Here's a look at its history: 1. **The Lyricist: Eliza Edmunds Hewitt (1851-1920)** * Eliza Hewitt was a prolific American hymn writer and school teacher. Born in Philadelphia, she trained as a teacher and began her career. * A severe spinal injury left her an invalid for a prolonged period. During her recovery, she devoted herself to studying the Bible and writing poetry and hymns. This experience deepened her faith and gave her a profound understanding of the comfort and strength found in Christ. * After regaining her health, she returned to teaching but continued to write hymns, eventually penning over 100 gospel songs. Her hymns are characterized by their clear evangelical message, personal testimony, and focus on Jesus. Other famous hymns by Hewitt include "When We All Get to Heaven," "Sunshine in My Soul," and "My Wonderful Dream." * **Inspiration for "More About Jesus":** Hewitt's personal journey of physical and spiritual healing undoubtedly fueled her desire for deeper knowledge of Christ. The hymn reflects a common human yearning to move beyond superficial understanding to a more profound, experiential relationship with God. It's a prayer for continued revelation and spiritual growth. 2. **The Composer: John R. Sweney (1837-1899)** * John R. Sweney was one of the most prominent American gospel music composers and editors of the late 19th century. He was a gifted musician, having served as a bandmaster in the Civil War. * After the war, he dedicated his life to sacred music, becoming a professor of music at the Pennsylvania Military Academy and later a highly sought-after collaborator with many well-known hymn writers of his era, including Fanny Crosby. * Sweney was incredibly prolific, composing the music for thousands of hymns and compiling many popular gospel songbooks. His melodies are typically memorable, easy to sing, and perfectly suited to the evangelical message of the lyrics. * He provided the simple, yet powerful and uplifting melody for Hewitt's lyrics, which perfectly complements her earnest words. 3. **Date of Composition and Publication:** * "More About Jesus" was written in **1887**. * It first appeared in the hymnal **"Glad Hallelujahs,"** compiled by John R. Sweney, Wm. J. Kirkpatrick, and H.L. Execll, which was published in the same year. This reflects the common practice of hymn writers and composers collaborating to produce new songs for popular hymnals. 4. **The Hymn's Message and Enduring Appeal:** * The hymn's central theme is a longing for **spiritual intimacy and deeper understanding of Jesus**. Each stanza outlines a different aspect of this desire: * Stanza 1: "More about Jesus in the path I trod" (guidance and companionship) * Stanza 2: "More about Jesus on the throne of God" (His sovereignty and intercession) * Stanza 3: "More about Jesus in His Word reveal'd" (divine revelation and truth) * Stanza 4: "More about Jesus; more of His saving fullness" (His grace, power, and love) * The powerful and repetitive chorus, "More, more about Jesus, More of His saving fullness see; More of His love who died for me," encapsulates the overarching prayer for a continually expanding knowledge and experience of Christ. * Its simplicity, sincerity, and direct focus on Christ have made it a favorite in countless churches, devotional gatherings, and personal meditations for over a century. It continues to resonate with believers who desire to grow in their faith and draw closer to their Savior.