What A Friend
This was written by a young man for his mother who was ill. He tried to comfort and encourage her, and intended the poem just for her. No one knew about the words of this beloved hymn until a neighbor was visiting and found it.
Born in Ireland,
Joseph Scriven graduated from college and was engaged to a beautiful
girl. On the eve of their wedding, the girl drowned. Overwhelmed with
grief, he came to Canada and devoted his life to helping the
underprivileged, giving them clothes and sharing his food. If anyone
could afford his service, he would not work for them.
In 1875, Sankey put
up Gospel Hymns No. 1 and included it as the last one in the
collection. But later, the last hymn became one of his favorites.
What a Friend We Have in Jesus
(1) What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.
(2) Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged-
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness-
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
(3) Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge-
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Do thy friends despise, forsake theee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He'll take and shield thee-
Thou wilt find a solace there.
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