"WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS"

This is the amazing and yet oftentimes tragic story of Joseph Scriven, the man who wrote "What A Friend We Have In Jesus." It is sure to touch you as you read these words. Here is a man who knew what he was talking about when he wrote this hymn, (originally as a poem).

I wonder how many people know that Joseph Scriven was born in Northern Ireland ? Yes !! One of the world’s most famous and well-loved hymns was written by a man from our tiny Province !!

Joseph Scriven’s beginnings were of relative comfort, as his parents were quite prosperous. He was born on September 10^th, 1819, in Banbridge, Co. Down.

He went to study in Trinity College, Dublin, and his father originally hoped that Joseph would embark on a military career.

It was while studying in Dublin that Joseph came face to face with the Gospel, repented, and was converted.

Joseph Scriven obtained his degree in 1842 and also became engaged to be married. The wedding was scheduled for 1844. Then tragedy struck a cruel blow. On the eve of their wedding day, his bride-to-be was crossing a bridge on the River Bann. She was thrown from her horse, and into the river. It is thought that her head struck a rock and she died almost instantly, by drowning. Poor Joseph was awaiting her on the other side of the river, and saw the whole tragedy unfolding before his eyes.

The following year, Joseph decided on a fresh start, and emigrated to Canada. He made up his mind to give his extra time into being a friend and helper to those who were in need. Many times he gave away his clothing and possessions. He did work for widows and sick people who were unable to afford to pay anyone to do the work, and he refused any payment for it. He got the nickname in the locality where he lived as the "The Good Samaritan of Port Hope." He also preached the Gospel at fairs and marketplaces.

But tragedy was to come into Joseph’s life once more. In 1854 he was to be married to a Miss Eliza Roche, but she caught a chill which developed into pneumonia and she became seriously ill. Joseph helped to nurse her and stayed much by her bedside, but three years after taking ill, she died.

It is thought that through this indescribable grief that the hymn, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" was born. He also wrote it to comfort his mother who was ill. It was originally a poem, entitled, "Pray Without Ceasing," and at first was in the form of two verses, not three.

There is a short story behind the third verse. Apparently, he was on a visit back to his native Northern Ireland, and because throughout his life he had helped others, and given many possessions and clothing away, he was very shabbily clothed. For this reason, he was snubbed by many people on this visit "home." It is said this is why he added the third verse,

"Do thy friends despise, forsake thee ? Take it to the Lord in Prayer,

In His Arms He’ ll take and shield thee, thou wilt find a solace there."

It is said that rather than becoming embittered by the many cruel blows dealt to him in his life, Joseph Scriven’s devotion to his Saviour became more sweet and intense.

Joseph became ill in the latter years of his life, and a Christian friend kept "an eye" on him when he wasn’t well. One day, while searching the drawers for something that Joseph had asked him to fetch, he came across his poem. He asked Joseph who had written such a beautiful poem, to which he replied, "The Lord and I did it between us !! "

Joseph Scriven died on August 10^th, 1886 in very tragic circumstances, by drowning. It is said that he had asked to be buried opposite Eliza, his sweetheart, "feet to feet" , so that when they would be resurrected, they would arise face to face.

Joseph had never intended his poem to be published, but shortly after his death, his poem appeared in his local newspaper. Later, someone was posting a parcel to the USA and they wrapped it in a copy of this newspaper. The recipient of the parcel then noticed he poem on the paper and arranged for it to be published. Later, Charles C. Converse, the composer, came across the words and set them to the beautiful melody, and thus, one of the world’s most famous hymns was complete.

Was it coincidence that the poem came to Charles Converse’s attention in such a "roundabout" way ? I think NOT !

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