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!