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 Christ’s and He is mine,
For ever and for ever.
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’ll call,
I’ll hold it for the Giver:
My heart, my strength, my life, my all,
Are His, and His for ever.
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.
Th’ eternal glories gleam afar
To nerve my faint endeavour;
So now to watch! To work! To war!
And then to rest for ever.
I’ve found a Friend; O such a Friend!
So kind, and true, and tender,
So wise a Counsellor and Guide,
So mighty a Defender.
From Him, who loves me now so well,
What power my soul can sever?
Shall life? Or death? shall earth? or hell?
No! I am His for ever.