Scripture Verse

I have called you friends. John 15:15

Introduction

portrait
Bernard B. Edmiaston
1881–1964

Words: Ber­nard B. Ed­mi­as­ton, in Liv­ing Praise No. 2, ed­it­ed by Charles H. Ga­bri­el & Will­iam W. Dow­ling (St. Lou­is, Mis­sou­ri: Chris­tian Pub­lish­ing, 1906).

Music: Em­mett S. Dean, 1915 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a bet­ter pho­to of Ed­mi­as­ton or Dean,

portrait
Emmett S. Dean
1876–1951

Lyrics

I’ve a friend, a precious friend indeed,
One who hears me when for help I plead,
Fills my soul with peace, gives me sweet release,
From the burdens hard to bear;
And I love Him more than all beside,
For upon the rugged cross He died,
Gave His life for me, that I might be free,
And His presence ever share.

I am walking with this friend each day;
Sweetest joy He gives me all the way,
Frees my soul from sin, makes me glad within,
Fills my life with love’s glad song;
When the storms of earth around me beat,
In His arms I find a sure retreat,
Safe from every harm, free from all alarm,
I am weak, but He is strong.

Tho’ the foes of earth may try my soul,
He will never give to them control;
On Him I depend, for He is my friend,
This He’s proven o’er and o’er;
When the clouds of grief around me rise,
Jesus comes to me, a glad surprise;
Drives the gloom away, turns my night to day—
I shall praise Him evermore.