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 his
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
When He lived on earth abased
“Friend of sinners” was His name;
Now above all glories raised,
He rejoices in the same;
Still He calls them brethren, friends,
And to all their wants attends.
Verse 4
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 shall love Thee as we ought.
John Newton