156--I have a Friend, whose faithful love

I have a Friend, whose faithful love

156

	1.	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!
	2.	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!
	3.	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!
	4.	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!
	5.	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!