Here is the testimony of the writer.
Words & Music: C. Austin Miles, March 1912 (
"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 of Joseph
.Out of the mists of the garden 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 hast borne him hence
He speaks, and the sound of His voice is so sweet the birds hush their singing. Jesus said to her, Mary!
Just one word from his lips, and forgotten the heartaches, the long dreary hours
.all the past blotted out in the presence of the Living Present and the Eternal Future
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
John 20:15
Then the hymn should say "She comes to the garden alone". Not only is it in its present form bad theology it is error and leads people into the error of thinking that Jesus is not at the right hand of the Father making intercession, but "walking" with us and talking with us.