Words: , 1851, and (1816-1868); trans­lat­ed from Swed­ish to Eng­lish by (1858-1943).

Music: Jag Har En Vån, Swed­ish folk tune.

If you know know the orig­in­al ti­tle, or where to get a pic­ture of Gus­taf Palm­qvist or John Jes­per­son


I have a Friend, so patient, kind, forbearing,
Of all my friends this Friend doth love me best;
Though I am weak and sinful, yet when sharing
His love and mercy I am ever blest.

He is my Lord, my Friend, yea, He’s my Brother;
And Jesus Christ is His most blessèd Name.
He loves more tenderly than any mother;
To rest in Him is more than wealth and fame.

My poor and wretched soul He bought so dearly,
And freed from condemnation, death, and hell;
The old and bitter foe He crushed completely;
My soul, rejoice and sing, for all is well!

Thus I’m redeemed; no more the law prevaileth,
For Christ, the Lord, is my Redeemer’s Name;
His precious blood more than my sins availeth;
And cleanseth me from all my guilt and shame.

With hallelujahs here I’d tell the story,
My Lord to praise, to laud and magnify;
And praise His Name forevermore in glory,
Before His throne with all the saints on high.