Christ a Redeemer and Friend

Is this thy kindness to thy friend by John Newton


 * Poor, weak and worthless though I am
 * I have a rich almighty Friend;
 * Jesus, the Savior, is His Name;
 * He freely loves, and without end.


 * He ransomed me from hell with blood,
 * And by His power my foes controlled;
 * He found me wandering far from God,
 * And brought me to His chosen fold.


 * He cheers my heart, my wants supplies,
 * And says that I shall shortly be,
 * Enthroned with Him above the skies;
 * O what a Friend is Christ to me!


 * But, ah! my inmost spirit mourns;
 * And well my eyes with tears may swim,
 * To think of my perverse returns:
 * I’ve been a faithless friend to Him.


 * Often my gracious Friend I grieve,
 * Neglect, distrust, and disobey;
 * And often Satan’s lies believe
 * Sooner than all my Friend can say.


 * He bids me always freely come,
 * And promises whate’er I ask:
 * But I am straitened, cold and dumb,
 * And count my privilege a task


 * Before the world that hates His course,
 * My treach’rous heart has throbbed with shame;
 * Loath to forego the worlds applause,
 * I hardly dare avow His Name.


 * Sure, were I not most vile and base,
 * I could not thus my Friend requite!
 * And were not He the God of grace,
 * He’d frown and spurn me from His sight.