I've Found a Friend

I’ve found a Friend; O 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, Forever and forever.

I’ve found a Friend: O 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 mine own I call, I hold it for the Giver;
My heart, my strength, my life, my all, Are His, and His forever.

I’ve found a Friend; O such a Friend! All power to Him is given
To guard me on my onward course, And bring me safe to heaven.
The eternal glories gleam afar To nerve my faint endeavour;
So now to watch, to work, to war, And then to rest forever

I’ve found a Friend; O such a Friend, So kind, and true, and tender!
So wise a Counselor, and Guide, So mighty a Defender!
From Him who loves me now so well What power my soul shall sever?
Shall life or death, shall earth or hell? No! I am His forever.

James G. Small, 1863