Music: Frank E. Belden (1858-1945)

We would see Jesus; for the shadows lengthen

Across this little landscape of our life;

We would see Jesus, our weak faith to strengthen

For the last conflict, in this mortal strife.

We would see Jesus, Rock of our Salvation

Whereon our feet were set with sovereign grace;

Not life nor death, with all their agitation,

Can thence remove us, gazing on His face.

We would see Jesus; other lights are paling,

Which for long years we did rejoice to see;

The blessings of this sinful world are failing;

We would not mourn them, in exchange for Thee.

We would see Jesus: this is all we’re needing;

Strength, joy, and willingness come with the sight;

We would see Jesus, dying, risen, pleading;

soon to return and end this mortal night.

     Anna Werner was born on August 31, 1827, at Long Island, New York. Anna’s father was Henry Warner, a wealthy New York City lawyer. When he lost most of his fortune in the 1837 depression, the family was forced to move to their summer home (Good Craig) on Constitution Island in the Hudson River. It was then that Anna and her sister Susan began writing to earn money. They also conducted Bible classes for cadets at the nearby Military Academy at West Point.  Anna died on January 22, 1915, at Highland Falls, New York. She is buried at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. In memory of her, the Academy’s Constitution Island Association manages the Warner’s island property as an historic site. On her gravestone is the second verse of her hymn "We Would See Jesus." She also penned the famous hymn "Jesus Loves Me."