133    8.7.7.     John Newton
Christ a Friend. Rom. 5. 7; Prov. 18. 24; Song 5. 16

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.

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!

3 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 will praise thee as we ought.