My Dearest Friend

I have a friend

a pre­cious friend

Who keeps me day by day

On whom my hopes of Heav’n de­pend

Who is my guide and stay.

My dear­est friend

my tru­est friend

My friend in life

my friend in death

Unto His name let praise as­cend

With glad

with glad ex­ult­ant breath.

I need not feel one anx­ious thought

Or know one press­ing care

But that I may—His word hath taught—

Take un­to Him in pray­er.

O sin­ner

take Him for your friend

His grace is free to all;

He will the trust­ing soul de­fend

Nor suf­fer it to fall.

’Tis sweet to feel His pre­sence near

And on His strength re­ly

To know that He thro’ life will cheer

Support when death is nigh.

’Tis sweet to work for such a friend;

Dear Lord

our ef­forts guide

For if Thou wilt Thy bless­ing send

The work shall e’er ab­ide.