Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 30

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30.
Is this thy kindness to thy Friend?—2 Sam. xvi, 17.

1 Poor, weak, and worthless, though I am, I have a rich, almighty Friend; Jesus, the Saviour, is his name, He freely loves, and without end.
2 He ransom'd me from hell with blood, And by his power my foes control'd; He found me wand'ring far from God,And brought me to his chosen fold.
3 He cheers my heart, my want supplies, And says that I shall shortly be Enthroned with him above the skies: what a Friend is Christ to me!
4 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.
5 Often my gracious Friend I grieve, Neglect, distrust, and disobey; And often Satan's lies believe Sooner than all my Friend can say.
6 He bids me always freely come, And promises whate'er I ask; But I am straiten'd, cold, and dumb, And count my privilege a task.
7 Before the world, that hates his cause, My treach'rous heart has throbb'd with shame; Loath to forego the world's applause, I hardly dare avow his name.
8 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.
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