Most people who know me Have heard me say that my favourite hymn is “What a Friend we have in Jesus” by Joseph Scriven. However rather than be predictable I have chose another hymn which I still love after 72 years from when I first heard and sang it. It is “Children of Jerusalem”, which is placing us as the learning children of God. Jesus said, “suffer the little children to come unto me” and it is as little children that we should come before our Lord.
The chorus has always inspired me, and I can still recall Mrs Sledge, my first Sunday School Teacher, singing it at the top of her voice.
Roger Wookey
This version has no vocals
Or a version with a very nice soloist:
Children of Jerusalem
Sang the praise of Jesu’s name:
Children, too, of modern days
Join to sing our Saviour’s praise.
Chorus:
Hark! Hark! Hark! While infant voices sing,
Hark! Hark! Hark! While infant voices sing
Loud Hosannas, loud hosannas,
Loud Hosannas to our King.
We are taught to love the Lord,
We are taught to read his word;
We are taught the way to heaven,
Praise for all to God be given.
Chorus: Hark! Hark! Hark! Etc
Parents, teachers, old and young,
All unite to swell the song;
Higher and yet higher rise,
‘Til Hosannas reach the skies.
Chorus: Hark! Hark! Hark! Etc.
Written by Reverend John Henley (1800 -42) of the Wesleyan Methodist Church and published after his death in W. M. Hymnal 1844.
Tune: “Infant Praise” from Curwen’s Tune Book 1842