Verse 1
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!
Verse 2
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.
Verse 3
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 Saviour always owns Those whom He redeemed with groans.
Verse 4
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.
Verse 5
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.
Verse 6
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.