One There Is, Above All Others

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 their 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 abasèd,
“Friend of sinners” was His name,
Now above all glory raisèd,
He rejoices in the same;
Still He calls them brethren, friends,
And to all their wants attends.

Verse 4

Could we bear from one another
What He daily bears from us?
Yet this glorious Friend and Brother
Loves us though we treat Him thus:
Though for good we render ill,
He accounts us brethren still.

Verse 5

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 love Thee as we ought.