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!

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!

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, God-forsaken, man-betrayed,
    Was then made sin
    On 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 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!