Poor, weak and worthless though I am <br />I have a rich almighty friend; <br />Jesus, the Saviour, is His Name; <br />He freely loves, and without end. <br /> <br />He ransomed me from hell with blood, <br />And by His pow'r my foes controlled; <br />He found me wand'ring far from God, <br />And brought me to His chosen fold. <br /> <br />He cheers my heart, my wants supplies, <br />And says that I shall shortly be, <br />Enthroned with Him above the skies; <br />O what a friend is Christ to me! <br /> <br />But ah! I my inmost spirit mourns, <br />And well my eyes with tears may swim, <br />To think of my perverse returns; <br />I've been a faithless friend to him. <br /> <br />Often my gracious Friend I grieve, <br />Neglect, distrust, and disobey, <br />And often Satan's lies believe, <br />Sooner than all my Friend can say. <br /> <br />He bids me always freely come, <br />And promises whate'er I ask: <br />But I am straitened, cold and dumb, <br />And count my privilege a task. <br /> <br />Before the world that hates his course, <br />My treach'rous heart has throbbed with shame; <br />Loth to forego the worlds applause, <br />I hardly dare avow his name. <br /> <br />Sure were not I most vile and base, <br />I could not thus my friend requite! <br />And were not he the God of grace, <br />He'd frown and spurn me from his sight.<br /><br />John Newton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/is-this-thy-kindness-to-thy-friend-christ-a-redeemer-and-friend/
