THERE is a friend above,
Whose pure affection far transcends all others ;
No earthly kindred, parents, sisters, brothers,
Like Jesus, love.
His friendship is sincere,
And firm, and changeless, not like meteors gleaming ;
But on his ransomed ones 'tis ever beaming,
Bright, calm and clear.
He is a faithful friend ;
In him the trembling soul, in hope confiding
May safely trust, his love is e'er abiding,
Even to the end.
His sympathy how sweet !
Like softest music o'er the spirit stealing ;
It soothes the troubled heart with heavenly healing,
And joy complete.
His words of glorious truth,
Like cadences of love from heaven descending,
Allure and guide to scenes of bliss unending,
And fadeless youth.
He, with Almighty power,
Can give support when earthly hopes are dying ;
And safe is every soul to Jesus flying,
In trial's hour.
Celestial, peerless friend !
Around me cast thy kind and sheltering pinions ;
And take my spirit to thy blest dominions,
When life shall end.
O, give that gracious Guest
A throne in every heart, earth's sons and daughters !
His friendship is a fount of living waters,
And heavenly rest.
