313: I'VE found a Friend, oh, such a Friend

313: I'VE found a Friend, oh, such a Friend

by James Grindley Small (1817-1888)

1 I'VE found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
He loved me ere I knew Him,
He drew me with the cords of love,
And thus He bound me to Him;
And round my heart still closely twine
Those ties which nought can sever,
For I am His, and He is mine,
For ever and for ever.

2 I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
He bled, He died to save me;
And not alone the gift of life,
But His own self He gave me.
Nought that I have my own I call,
I hold it for the Giver:
My heart, my strength, my life, my all,
Are His, and His for ever.

3 I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
All power to Him is given
To guard me on my onward course,
And bring me safe to heaven.
Th' eternal glories gleam afar
To nerve my faint endeavour:
So now to watch! to work! to war!
And then --- to rest for ever!

4 I've found a Friend, oh, such a Friend!
So kind and true and tender,
So wise a Counsellor and Guide,
So mighty a Defender!
From Him, who loves me now so well,
What power my soul can sever?
Shall life, or death, or earth, or hell?
No; I am His for ever.