SCRIVEN {1820–1886} wrote What a Friend We Have in Jesus after his fiancée drowned. George Matheson {1842–1906} wrote O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go after his fiancée rejected him because he was going blind.
Joseph Scriven composed the beloved hymn "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" as a response to profound personal loss, specifically following the tragic drowning of his fiancée. This event not only marked a significant moment in his life but also inspired a piece that resonates with many for its themes of faith and solace in the face of sorrow.
Similarly, George Matheson's hymn "O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go" emerged from his own heartache, as he faced rejection from his fiancée due to his impending blindness. The emotional weight of his experiences fueled the creation of a hymn that expresses unwavering love and devotion, highlighting the power of faith to provide comfort during life's challenges.
