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!

His was 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, now forsaken and betrayed,
Went up for me To 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 matchless love.
And, when at last I rise to dwell
In the bright home prepared above,
My joy shall be His face to see,
And bowing then with loud acclaim
I'll praise Him.-Blessed be His name! -C. A. Tydeman