I am enjoying the process of re-discovering some of the classic songs. This one was written in the nineteenth century. It is a Christian hymn written by Anna Bartlett Warner who lived from 1827 to1915. The lyrics first appeared as a poem in the context of an 1860 novel called 'Say and Seal', written by her older sister Susan Warner, in which the words were spoken as a comforting poem to a dying child.
The tune was added in 1862 by William Batchelder Bradbury(1816–1868).
Along with his tune, Bradbury added his own chorus.
After publication as a song it became one of the most popular Christian hymns in churches around the world, especially among children.
I recorded this as part of my regular "Worship & Wine on Wednesday" event on 9th December.