445. I’ve found a Friend, O such a Friend
James G. Small, 1817-88
This hymn was written by a minister of the Free Church of Scotland and appeared in The Revival Hymn Book, 2d series, 1863, and later in the author’s Psalms and Sacred Songs, 1866.
James Grindlay Small was educated at Edinburgh University where Dr. Thomas Chalmers was one of his professors. He became minister of a church in 1847, but owing to peculiarities of voice and manner, he never succeeded well as a preacher. However, he was a man of fine Christian character and had the confidence of his brethren. Small was interested in hymnology and is the author of a number of hymns and poems.
MUSIC. FRIEND. The tune was written by Stebbins while he and Dr. Pentecost were conducting an evangelistic campaign in Providence, R. I. It was first published in Gospel Hymns No. 3, one of a series of popular books with which the composer’s name was associated as co-editor.
For comments on George Stebbins see [Hymn 38].