Lesson from A Great Music Composer

Elisha Hoffman (1839-1929) was an American minister and Gospel composer. He wrote the words and music for such familiar hymns as: “Are You Washed in the Blood?,” “I Must Tell Jesus,” “Is Your All on the Altar?,” and “What a Wonderful Saviour!”



One of my favorites is “I Must Tell Jesus”.

The stories behind the songs always fascinate me. Elisha did not graduate from any school of music, in fact, his music education was very limited. God’s influence helped him compose over two-thousand hymns that have now been compiled into many song books.



No other music touches me like the power of Gospel music. My interest in the history behind them has lead me to the conclusion that most were inspired at moments in a persons life when they needed uplifting or had a unique experience with God. 

My friends and I grew up with this wonderful music.

I learned the words and remember them still today. I have seen sacred music change lives and have seen knees bow at the tunes. I have witnessed souls saved as choirs sing the beautiful words of Gospel songs.



Here is the story behind this particular piece:
“There was a woman to whom God had permitted many visitations of sorrow and affliction. Arriving home one day, Brother Hoffman found her much discouraged. She unburdened her heart, concluding with the question, “Brother Hoffman, what shall I do?” He read from the word, then added, “You cannot do better than to take all of your sorrows to Jesus. You must tell Jesus.”
For a moment she seemed lost in meditation. Then her eyes turned bright as she exclaimed, “Yes, I must tell Jesus.” As he left her home he had a vision of that joy-illuminated face, and he heard all along the pathway, “I must tell Jesus. I must tell Jesus.” Upon reaching his home he wrote these words:


I must tell Jesus all of my trials; 

I cannot bear these burdens alone;

In my distress He kindly will help me;
He ever loves and cares for His own.

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!

I cannot bear my burdens alone;

I must tell Jesus! I must tell Jesus!
Jesus can help me, Jesus alone.
I must tell Jesus all of my troubles;

He is a kind, compassionate friend;

If I but ask Him, He will deliver,
Make of my troubles quickly an end.

Tempted and tried, I need a great Savior;

One Who can help my burdens to bear;
I must tell Jesus, I must tell Jesus;
He all my cares and sorrows will share.

O how the world to evil allures me!

O how my heart is tempted to sin!

I must tell Jesus, and He will help me

Over the world the victory to win.