Hymn 30 Is this thy kindness to thy friend. 2Sam 16:17

8,8,8,8

Is this thy kindness to thy friend.
2 Samuel 16:17

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 pow'r my foes controlled;

He found me, wand'ring 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! I 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;

Loth to forego the worlds applause,

I hardly dare avow his name.

Sure were not I 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.