In the Garden

This was Grandma's favorite song and I can still hear her singing this in her high soprano voice.

Words and Music by Charles Austin Miles, 1913

Miles gave the background to this beautiful hymn in his own words:

"I read the story of the greatest morn in history. The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, while it was yet very dark, unto the sepulcher. Instantly, completely, there unfolded in my mind the scenes of the garden, where out of the mists comes a form, halting, hesitating, tearful, seeking, turning from side to side in bewildering amazement."

Falteringly, bearing grief in every accent, with tear-dimmed eyes, she whispers, 'If Thou has borne Him hence.'"He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing. He said to her "Mary!""Just one word and forgotten are the heartaches, the long dreary hours, all the past blotted out in His presence."

I come to the garden alone
While the dew is still on the roses
And the voice I hear falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses.

And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am His own;
And the joy we share as we tarry there,
None other has ever known.

He speaks, and the sound of His voice,
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
And the melody that He gave to me

Within my heart is ringing.
I’d stay in the garden with Him

Though the night around me be falling,

But He bids me go; through the voice of woe

His voice to me is calling.