Joseph Scriven, the author of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” was born in Dublin in 1820 and moved to Canada when he was 25. Although born in wealth and refinement, he chose a humble path of service for Christ after the drowning death of his fiancée the eve before their wedding. One day he was seen walking down a street in Port Hope where he lived, dressed in work clothes and carrying a saw. One observer said to another: “Do you know that man? I need a sober, hard-working man to cut some wood for me.” “You can’t get that man; that’s Mr. Scriven.” “Why not?” “Because you’re able to pay for it. He only saws wood for poor widows and sick people.” The well-known hymn was written by Scriven to comfort his mother back in Ireland. The hymn concludes by reminding us that now is the time to pray: Soon in glory bright, unclouded, there will be no need for prayer; Rapture, praise, and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.
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