Friday, August 3, 2012

Friend


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
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
Oh 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
John Newton, 1725-1807

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