O Jesus! Friend unfailing,
How dear art thou to me!
Are cares and fears assailing?
I find my strength in thee!
Why should my feet grow weary
Of this my pilgrim way?
Rough though the path, and dreary,
It ends in perfect day.
Naught, naught I count as treasure;
Compared, O Christ, with thee!
Thy sorrow without measure
Earned peace and joy for me.
I love to own, Lord Jesus,
Thy claims o'er me and mine;
Bought with thy blood most precious,
Whose can I be but thine?
What fills my soul with gladness?
'Tis thine abounding grace!
Where can I look in sadness,
But, Jesus, in thy face?
My all is thy providing;
Thy love can ne'er grow cold;
In thee, my refuge, hiding,
No good wilt thou withhold.
Why should I droop in sorrow?
Thou'rt ever by my side:
Why, trembling, dread the morrow?
What ill can e'er betide?
If I my cross have taken,
'Tis but to follow thee;
If scorned, despised, forsaken,
Naught severs me from thee!
Oh, worldly pomp and glory!
Your charms are spread in vain!
I've heard a sweeter story,
I've found a truer gain!
Where Christ a place prepareth,
There is my loved abode;
There shall I gaze on Jesus,
There shall I dwell with God!
For every tribulation,
For every sore distress,
In Christ I've full salvation,
Sure help, and quiet rest.
No fear of foes prevailing!
I triumph, Lord, in thee!
O Jesus! Friend unfailing!
How dear art thou to me!