I have a Friend, whose faithful love

I have a Friend

whose faithful love

Is more than all the world to me:

’Tis higher than the heights above

And deeper than the soundless sea;

So old

so new

So strong

so true;

Before the earth received its frame

He loved me—Blessed be His name!

He held the highest place above

Adored by all the sons of flame

Yet such His self-denying love

He laid aside His crown and came

To seek the lost

And at the cost

Of heavenly rank and earthly fame

He sought me—Blessed be His name!

It was a lonely path He trod

From every human soul apart;

Known only to Himself and God

Was all the grief that filled His heart

Yet from the track

He turned not back

Till where I lay in want and shame

He found me—Blessed be His name!

Then dawned at last that day of dread

When desolate

yet undismayed

With wearied frame and thorn-crowned head

He

God-forsaken

man-betrayed

Was then made sin

On Calvary

And

dying there in grief and shame

He saved me—Blessed be His name!

Long as I live my song shall tell

The wonders of His dying love;

And when at last I go to dwell

With Him His sovereign grace to prove

My joy shall be

His face to see

And bowing there with loud acclaim

I’ll praise Him—Blessed be His name!