One there is,
above all others,
Well deserves the
name of Friend;
His is love
beyond a
brother’s,
Costly, free, and
knows no end:
They who once His
kindness prove,
Find it
everlasting love!
Which of all our
friends to save
us,
Could or would
have shed their
blood?
But our Jesus
died to have us
Reconciled, in
Him to God:
This was
boundless love
indeed!
Jesus is a Friend
in need.
Men, when
raised to lofty
stations,
Often know their
friends no more;
Slight and scorn
their poor
relations
Though they
valued them
before.
But our Savior
always owns
Those whom He
redeemed with
groans.
When He lived
on earth abasèd,
Friend of sinners
was His name;
Now, above all
glory raisèd,
He rejoices in
the same:
Still He calls
them brethren,
friends,
And to all their
wants attends.
Could we bear
from one another,
What He daily
bears from us?
Yet this glorious
Friend and
Brother,
Loves us though
we treat Him
thus:
Though for good
we render ill,
He accounts us
brethren still.
O for grace
our hearts to
soften!
Teach us, Lord,
at length to
love;
We, alas! forget
too often,
What a Friend we
have above:
But when home our
souls are
brought,
We will love Thee
as we ought.
