I've Found a Friend - Hymn with Lyrics

 

1. I’ve found a Friend, O such a Friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him;
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him;
And round my heart still closely twine
Those ties which naught can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine,
Forever and forever.

2. I’ve found a Friend, O such a Friend!
He bled, He died to save me;
And not alone the gift of life,
But His own self He gave me.
Naught that I have mine own I call,
I’ll hold it for the giver;
My heart, my strength, my life, my all
Are His, and His forever.

3. I’ve found a Friend, O such a Friend!
So kind and true and tender,
So wise a counsellor and guide,
So mighty a defender!
From Him who loves me now so well,
What power my soul shall sever?
Shall life or death, shall earth or hell?
No! I am His forever.

Scripture; Proverbs 17:17; 

Isaiah 18:24; 

Hosea 11:4; 

John 13:1

   

The hymn "I've Found a Friend" was written by the American Christian hymn writer and composer, William W. Walford, in 1844. Walford, who was blind, was a lay preacher and wrote many hymns during his lifetime. "I've Found a Friend" is often considered one of his most well-known works, and it is sometimes referred to by its first line, "I've found a friend, oh, such a friend."

The hymn expresses deep gratitude for the friendship and salvation found in Jesus Christ. It focuses on the qualities of Christ as a loving, forgiving, and constant companion who offers support and guidance through life's trials.

The music for the hymn was composed by Frederick C. Maker in 1869. Maker, an English composer, wrote the melody for Walford’s lyrics, and the combination became very popular in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

The hymn has been cherished for its comforting message and its portrayal of the profound and lasting relationship a believer can have with Christ. It has been included in numerous hymnals over the years and continues to be sung in churches today.