When the United Church of Christ was putting together its new hymnal (The New Century Hymnal) a few years ago, this hymn got the most votes both for "please include" and "don't you dare put this in." The compilers decided to include it. The little bit of history at the bottom of the page also says it is based on John 20. Many people (especially in our "social gospel" church) didn't like the hymn because they may have felt it placed too much emphasis on the protagonist's special relationship with Jesus. The Scriptural explanation helped, and also the last verse, which we have as "He bids me go, through the voice of woe His voice to me is calling" - in other words, get out of the garden and help the rest of God's children. I fully expect we will be singing it Easter Sunday. Sorry for so much religion, but I finally found a thread I knew a little bit about! I am amazed and delighted at the community here.