Up to now in my stories I have written about various great hymn writers of the past: Wesley, Watts, Havergal and even Anne Bronte. This time I want to write about two authors that you probably have never heard of, but who have had a great affect on both mine and, I would image, many other Christian lives. The two authors are Nellie Talbot and Susan Warner and you will not find their names mentioned in any of the past three editions (at least) of the Methodist Hymn Book. However, you will find them in "The School Hymn Book of the Methodist Church" first printed in 1950. The two songs that these women wrote both come under the section of "Service and Giving" and have a very familiar theme to each other. Susan's song is: "Jesus bids us shine" and Nellie's is: "Jesus wants me for a sunbeam".

I am sure that now many of you will recognise these hymns straight away as perhaps two of your own favourites that you sang in Sunday School (you may even be able to recall all the words!). These two hymns although written for and loved by children have some very deep truths for all Christians. Many Christians believe that there is some great purpose that God is calling them to do, but while that is true for some, the majority of us lead very 'simple' lives. - This does not mean that these lives should not be used for God's purpose and I think that these two hymns instruct us on how we should live every moment of our time here on earth. It is our duty and privilege to be a light to all, to show how God wants us all to live not only because He is watching us, but because we love Him and our fellow human beings.

What is this light that I am talking about? It is how Nellie puts it in her final verse; we ask Jesus to help us to:
Ever reflect His goodness and always shine for Him. I think that it is worth reading carefully through these hymns and reflect on our own lives of (simple) service.

As you may find it difficult to find a copy of these hymns (more's the pity) I am writing them here: -

Jesus bids us shine with a pure, clear light,
Like a little candle burning in the night.
In the world is darkness; so we must shine -
You in your small corner, and I in mine.

Jesus bids us shine first of all for Him
Well He sees and knows it if our life grows dim.
He looks down from heav'n to see us shine -
You in your small corner and I in mine.
Susan Warner 1819-85

Jesus wants me for a sunbeam,
To shine for Him each day;
In every way try to please Him,
At home at school at play;

A sunbeam, a sunbeam;
Jesus wants me for a sunbeam,
A sunbeam, a sunbeam,
I'll be a sunbeam for Him.

Jesus wants me to be loving
And kind to all I see,
Showing how pleasant and happy
His little one may be:

I will ask Jesus to help me
To keep my heart from sin,
Ever reflecting His goodness,
And always shine for Him:
Nellie Talbot
 

Contacts: -
maria.s.carter@ntlworld.com or
gordon.j.carter@ntlworld.com