Mary Dagworthy James Grave

Hymn History: All For Jesus & Author: Mary Dagworthy James

“It is noted that she ‘strived to live a life as close to Christ as possible.’”
(Hymnary.org)

The Origin of the Hymn “All for Jesus”

The hymn “All for Jesus” is a heartfelt expression of complete consecration to Christ—an anthem of surrender that calls believers to live every moment, thought, and deed in devotion to the Savior. Written in the late nineteenth century by Mary Dagworthy James (1810–1883), and later paired with music by John Stainer (1840–1901), the hymn has stood as a classic of the holiness movement and remains cherished in many Christian traditions today. Its simple, earnest language captures the essence of a life wholly given to God.

The Hymnwriter: Mary Dagworthy James

Mary Dagworthy James was born in Trenton, New Jersey, in 1810. Raised in a devout Methodist home, she experienced an early and deep sense of faith. By the age of 13, she had joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and by her late teens, she was already active in Christian service. Her life was marked by spiritual earnestness, compassion, and a zeal for holiness.

James became a key figure in the Wesleyan Holiness movement, a revival within Methodism that emphasized entire sanctification—the idea that a believer could live a life fully surrendered to God and purified from the power of sin. This doctrine shaped much of her ministry and inspired the themes of her hymns.

Throughout her long life, Mary James wrote numerous poems and hymns, though few achieved the widespread fame of “All for Jesus.” Her writings often appeared in the Guide to Holiness, a periodical associated with Phoebe Palmer, another leading voice in the Holiness revival. Mary James’s works were not lofty or literary; instead, they reflected the humble yet fervent devotion of a soul seeking to live completely for her Lord.

The Hymn’s Composition and Message

“All for Jesus” first appeared in 1871 in The Guide to Holiness Hymnal, edited by Palmer. It originally consisted of four short stanzas, each echoing the desire for a life wholly consecrated to Christ. The first verse sets the tone of the entire hymn:

All for Jesus! all for Jesus!
All my being’s ransomed powers;
All my thoughts and words and doings,
All my days and all my hours.

These words form a simple but profound prayer of dedication. Every line reflects the central conviction of the Holiness movement—that Christianity is not merely belief, but total surrender. The repetition of “All for Jesus” reinforces the completeness of that surrender: every thought, every action, every moment belongs to Him.

The second stanza deepens this theme:

Let my hands perform His bidding,
Let my feet run in His ways;
Let mine eyes see Jesus only,
Let my lips speak forth His praise.

Here, Mary James paints a picture of the sanctified life as one in which every faculty is devoted to divine service. The hymn progresses not through complex theology but through the language of daily devotion—an appeal for holiness in the ordinary moments of life.

The Music: John Stainer’s Setting

While Mary James wrote the text in America, the hymn gained new prominence through the musical work of Sir John Stainer, a distinguished English organist and composer. Stainer, best known for his oratorio The Crucifixion (1887), was one of the most influential church musicians of the Victorian era. His setting of “All for Jesus” first appeared as the closing chorus of The Crucifixion and was soon adopted as a congregational hymn.

Stainer’s tune, known as “All for Jesus” or “Wycliffe,” perfectly complements the simplicity and devotion of the text. Written in a gentle 4/4 meter, it carries a quiet dignity that invites reflection and heartfelt singing. Its melodic lines rise and fall naturally, mirroring the prayerful tone of the words. The union of James’s text and Stainer’s music created one of the most beloved devotional hymns of the late nineteenth century.

The Hymn’s Influence and Legacy

“All for Jesus” quickly became a favorite in both American and British hymnals, especially among Methodists, Anglicans, and those influenced by the Holiness revival. It was often sung at revival meetings, camp gatherings, and moments of personal dedication. Its message resonated deeply with believers seeking a closer walk with God.

The hymn’s enduring power lies in its simplicity. It does not attempt to impress the intellect, but rather speaks to the heart’s desire for complete loyalty to Christ. In an age when many were striving for outward success or recognition, Mary James offered a call to inward devotion and humble obedience.

For Mary Dagworthy James herself, the hymn was a personal testimony. She lived what she wrote, dedicating her life to Christian service and holiness teaching. Her writings, though fewer in number than those of her contemporaries, reflect a sincerity that continues to touch lives more than a century after her passing.

A Timeless Call to Consecration

In every generation, believers have rediscovered “All for Jesus” as a fitting expression of total consecration. It speaks to the same truth Jesus taught when He said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Through its gentle melody and humble words, the hymn invites each singer to echo its prayer—not as a mere song, but as a life commitment. It remains as relevant today as when Mary James first wrote it in 1871, a simple yet profound declaration of purpose:

All for Jesus! all for Jesus!
This our song shall ever be;
For we have no hope, nor Savior,
If we have not hope in Thee.

Indeed, “All for Jesus” continues to remind the Church that the truest joy and strength are found not in self, but in the full surrender of every part of life—all for Him who gave all for us.