Abide, O dearest Jesus,
Among us with Thy grace,
That Satan may not harm us,
Nor we to sin give place.

Abide, O dear Redeemer,
Among us with Thy Word,
And thus now and hereafter
True peace and joy afford.

Abide with heav’nly brightness
Among us, precious Light;
Thy truth direct, and keep us
From error’s gloomy night.

Abide with richest blessings
Among us, bounteous Lord;
Let us in grace and wisdom
Grow daily through Thy Word.

Abide with Thy protection
Among us, Lord, our Strength,
Lest world and Satan fell us
And overcome at length.

Abide, O faithful Savior,
Among us with Thy love;
Grant steadfastness, and help us
To reach our home above.

’Tis so sweet just to know that along the way
Jesus walks by my side all the livelong day,
And He knows when the shadows begin to low’r,
And He whispers His love to me o’er and o’er.

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He whispers His love to me,
He whispers His love to me;
Lest I should stray from Him away,
He whispers His love to me.

When He scatters the gifts from His boundless store,
And His showers of blessing around me pour,
Lest I humble and grateful forget to be,
Jesus whispers His wonderful love to me.

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When my heart is so tempted and sorely tried,
It is then that I know He is by my side,
And I know He will give me the victory,
As He whispers His wonderful love to me.

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O His voice is so wondrously sweet to me!
There’s no music on earth has such melody;
There’s no joy that can come to the human heart
Like the joy that His love ever doth impart.

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I do not ask to see the way
My feet will have to tread;
But only that my soul may feed
Upon the living Bread.
’Tis better far that I should walk
By faith close to His side;
I may not know the way I go,
But oh, I know my Guide.

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His love can never fail,
His love can never fail,
My soul is satisfied to know
His love can never fail.

And if my feet would go astray,
They cannot, for I know
That Jesus guides my falt’ring steps,
As joyfully I go.
And tho’ I may not see His face,
My faith is strong and clear,
That in each hour of sore distress
My Savior will be near.

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I will not fear, tho’ darkness come
Abroad o’er all the land,
If I may only feel the touch
Of His own loving hand.
And tho’ I tremble when I think
How weak I am, and frail,
My soul is satisfied to know
His love can never fail.

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In heavenly love abiding, no change my heart shall fear.
And safe in such confiding, for nothing changes here.
The storm may roar without me, my heart may low be laid,
But God is round about me, and can I be dismayed?

Wherever He may guide me, no want shall turn me back.
My Shepherd is beside me, and nothing can I lack.
His wisdom ever waking, His sight is never dim.
He knows the way He’s taking, and I will walk with Him.

Green pastures are before me, which yet I have not seen.
Bright skies will soon be over me, where darkest clouds have been.
My hope I cannot measure, my path to life is free.
My Savior has my treasure, and He will walk with me.

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 power my foes controlled;
He found me wandering 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! 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;
Loath to forego the worlds applause,
I hardly dare avow His Name.

Sure, were I not 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.

I vow to thee, my country—all earthly things above—
Entire and whole and perfect, the service of my love;
The love that asks no question, the love that stands the test,
That lays upon the altar the dearest and the best;
The love that never falters, the love that pays the price,
The love that makes undaunted the final sacrifice.

And there’s another country, I’ve heard of long ago—
Most dear to them that love her, most great to them that know;
We may not count her armies, we may not see her King;
Her fortress is a faithful heart, her pride is suffering;
And soul by soul and silently her shining bounds increase,
And her ways are ways of gentleness, and all her paths are peace.

Jesus is my best of friends,
None like Him ’mongst mortals born;
And shall I whom He defends,
Join the world, His goodness scorn?
Naught shall raise a parting line
To hold me from His tend’rest love;
One shall be His will and mine
Lifelong here, for aye above.

Once He suffered death for me;
In that death He conquered sin,
Him redeeming still I see;
Wondrous strength from Him I win.
Who could sullen, sit complaining,
Knowing Christ has sealed his bliss?
Who, the ransom gift disdaining,
E’er could fly such love as His?

In that well proved love I bide;
Naught from Him this heart shall sever.
Angel glory, mortal pride,
Wealth or want shall part us never.
Depth below nor heights above,
E’er shall hold my soul enticed,
Luring from a Father’s love
Mine henceforth in Jesus Christ.

Lord of our highest love!
Let now Thy peace be giv’n;
Fix all our thoughts on things above,
Our hearts on Thee in Heav’n.

Then, dearest Lord, draw near,
Whilst we Thy table spread;
And crown the feast with heav’nly cheer,
Thyself the living Bread.

And when the loaf we break,
Thine own rich blessing give,
May all with loving hearts partake
And all new strength receive.

Dear Lord! what memories crowd
Around the sacred cup!
The upper room! Gethsemane!
Thy foes! Thy lifting up!

O scenes of suffering love,
Enough our souls to win—
Enough to melt our hearts and prove
The antidote of sin.

O valiant hearts who to your glory came
Through dust of conflict and through battle flame;
Tranquil you lie, your knightly virtue proved,
Your memory hallowed in the land you loved.

Proudly you gathered, rank on rank, to war
As who had heard God’s message from afar;
All you had hoped for, all you had, you gave,
To save mankind—yourselves you scorned to save.

Splendid you passed, the great surrender made;
Into the light that nevermore shall fade;
Deep your contentment in that blest abode,
Who wait the last clear trumpet call of God.

Long years ago, as earth lay dark and still,
Rose a loud cry upon a lonely hill,
While in the frailty of our human clay,
Christ, our Redeemer, passed the self same way.

Still stands His Cross from that dread hour to this,
Like some bright star above the dark abyss;
Still, through the veil, the Victor’s pitying eyes
Look down to bless our lesser Calvaries.

These were His servants, in His steps they trod,
Following through death the martyred Son of God:
Victor, He rose; victorious too shall rise
They who have drunk His cup of sacrifice.

O risen Lord, O Shepherd of our dead,
Whose cross has bought them and Whose staff has led,
In glorious hope their proud and sorrowing land
Commits her children to Thy gracious hand.

I have a Redeemer, O worship His Name,
He bore my transgressions, my sin and my shame,
And in His own body on Calvary’s tree,
He took them upon Him that I might go free.

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Oh, wonderful love that saved me from sin!
Oh, wonderful love that cleansed me within!
His Spirit bears witness that now I am saved;
All glory to Jesus,
I’m saved, I’m saved, I’m saved!

I have a Redeemer Who calls me his own,
He bids me come boldly before His great throne;
Because I am pardoned and cleansed by His blood,
And guiltless, tho’ living ’mid earth’s evil flood.

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Yes, sweet are Thy mercies, O Savior divine,
In tender compassion Thou madest me Thine;
With Thee I will journey till life’s day is done,
And all thro’ the ages give praise to the Son.

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When I’m sad and heavy laden,
Burdened with the weight of sin,
Jesus is the very Friend I need;
To the bloodstained cross He points me,
And He gives me peace within,
Jesus is the very Friend I need.

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O, He is the best of friends,
For His goodness never ends,
And His love will every human thought exceed;
Let me love Him more and more,
’Till I stand on glory’s shore;
O, Jesus is the very Friend I need.

When I’m struggling with temptation,
When my strength shall almost fail,
Jesus is the very Friend I need;
For His arm will bring deliverance,
And His grace will still prevail,
Jesus is the very Friend I need.

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When I drink the cup of sorrow,
When I tread the path of grief,
Jesus is the very Friend I need;
In His Word is consolation,
In His presence sweet relief,
Jesus is the very Friend I need.

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When I reach the silent river,
When I wait beside the tide,
Jesus is the very Friend I need;
He will bear me o’er the billows
To the radiant morning side,
Jesus is the very Friend I need.

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We thank Thee, Jesus, dearest Friend,
That Thou didst into Heav’n ascend.
O blessèd Savior, bid us live
And strength to soul and body give.
Hallelujah!

Ascended to His throne on high,
Hid from our sight, yet always nigh,
He rules and reigns at God’s right hand
And has all power at His command.
Hallelujah!

The man who trusts in Him is blest
And finds in Him eternal rest;
This world’s allurements we despise
And fix on Christ alone our eyes.
Hallelujah!

We therefore heartily rejoice
And sing His praise with cheerful voice;
He captive led captivity,
From bitter death He set us free.
Hallelujah!

Through Him we heirs of Heaven are made;
O Brother, Christ, extend Thine aid
That we may firmly trust in Thee
And through Thee live eternally.
Hallelujah!

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

What wondrous love is this, O my soul, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this, O my soul!
What wondrous love is this that caused the Lord of bliss
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul,
To bear the dreadful curse for my soul.

When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down, sinking down,
When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul,
Christ laid aside His crown for my soul.

To God and to the Lamb, I will sing, I will sing;
To God and to the Lamb, I will sing.
To God and to the Lamb Who is the great “I Am”;
While millions join the theme, I will sing, I will sing;
While millions join the theme, I will sing.

And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing on.
And when from death I’m free, I’ll sing and joyful be;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on, I’ll sing on;
And through eternity, I’ll sing on.

Oh, the best friend to have is Jesus,
When the cares of life upon you roll;
He will heal the wounded heart,
He will strength and grace impart;
Oh, the best friend to have is Jesus.

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The best friend to have is Jesus,
The best friend to have is Jesus,
He will help you when you fall,
He will hear you when you call;
Oh, the best friend to have is Jesus.

What a friend I have found in Jesus!
Peace and comfort to my soul He brings;
Leaning on His mighty arm,
I will fear no ill nor harm;
Oh, the best friend to have is Jesus.

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Though I pass through the night of sorrow,
And the chilly waves of Jordan roll,
Never need I shrink nor fear,
For my Savior is so near,
Oh, the best friend to have is Jesus.

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When at last to our home we gather,
With the loved ones who have gone before,
We will sing upon the shore,
Praising Him forevermore;
Oh, the best friend to have is Jesus.

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I found such a wonderful Savior
In Jesus, my Lord and my King!
Undying and true His devotion;
My heart shall his glad praises sing.

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Oh, what a wonderful Savior is He!
Constant and true is Jesus.
More than I fancied He ever could be
Is Jesus, my wonderful Friend.

Surpassing the love that a mother
May have for the child of her care;
The love of a sister or brother
With His we can never compare.

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The pleasures the world could afford me
Are naught to compare with His joy;
The rapture and peace that He gives me,
Earth’s sorrows can never destroy.

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When sorrows and pain are my portion,
When tears of bereavement must fall,
My Savior, my Friend, my Companion,
Will comfort and keep through it all.

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When tempests around me are sweeping,
My Pilot and Guide He will be;
And safe is my soul in His keeping,
My mighty Deliv’rer is he.

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Since Jesus is my Friend,
And I to Him belong,
It matters not what foes intend,
However fierce and strong.

He whispers in my breast
Sweet words of holy cheer;
How they who seek in God their rest
Shall ever find Him near.

My heart for gladness springs;
It cannot more be sad;
For very joy it laughs and sings,
Sees naught but sunshine glad.

The Sun that lights mine eyes
Is Christ, the Lord I love;
I sing for joy of that which lies
Stored up for me above.

A friend of Jesus! O what bliss
That one so vile as I
Should ever have a Friend like this
To lead me to the sky!

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Friendship with Jesus!
Fellowship divine!
O what blessèd, sweet communion!
Jesus is a Friend of mine.

A Friend when other friendships cease,
A Friend when others fail,
A Friend Who gives me joy and peace,
A Friend when foes assail!

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A Friend when sickness lays me low,
A Friend when death draws near,
A Friend as through the vale I go,
A Friend to help and cheer!

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A Friend when life’s short race is o’er
A Friend when earth is past,
A Friend to meet on Heaven’s shore,
A Friend when home at last!

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He wants not friends that hath Thy love,
And may converse and walk with Thee;
And with Thy saints here and above,
With whom forever I must be.

In the communion of the saints
Is wisdom, safety and delight;
And, when my heart declines and faints,
It’s raised by their heat and light.

As for my friends, they are not lost;
The several vessels of Thy fleet,
Though parted now, by tempests tossed,
Shall safely in the haven meet.

Still we are centered all in Thee,
Members, though distant, of one head;
In the same family we be,
By the same faith and Spirit led.

Before Thy throne we daily meet
As joint petitioners to Thee;
In spirit we each other greet,
And shall again each other see.

The heav’nly hosts, world without end,
Shall be my company above;
And Thou, my best and surest Friend,
Who shall divide me from Thy love?

Why should I charge my soul with care?
The wealth of every mine
Belongs to Christ, God’s Son and Heir,
And He’s a Friend of mine.

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Yes, He’s a Friend of mine,
And He with me doth all things share;
Since all is Christ’s, and Christ is mine,
Why should I have a care?
For Jesus is a Friend of mine.

The silver moon, the golden sun,
The countless stars that shine,
Are His alone, yes, every one,
And He’s a Friend of mine.

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He daily spreads a glorious feast,
And at His table dine
The whole creation, man and beast,
And He’s a Friend of mine.

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And when he comes in bright array,
And leads the conqu’ring line,
It will be glory then to say,
That He’s a Friend of mine.

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I have a Friend and He came to seek me,
I was afar on the ocean wave,
Into the fold of His love He brought me,
Peace to my soul from that hour He gave.

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Glory, glory, Jesus is my Savior,
I will sing and praise him in the glad, new song;
Glory, glory, I will give Him glory,
When mine eyes behold Him, in the blood-washed throng.

O how my heart with its joy is bounding,
O what a Savior and Friend is He,
Full of compassion and rich in blessing,
O how He loves and He cares for me.

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I have a Friend that will ne’er forsake me,
I shall be kept by His mighty pow’r.
Safe in the arms of His love that folds me,
Moment by moment and hour by hour.

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I have a hope that is sure and steadfast,
Firm as the rock where by faith I stand;
I have the pledge of a rest eternal
Waiting for me in the soul’s bright land.

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I have a Friend, so patient, kind, forbearing,
Of all my friends this Friend doth love me best;
Though I am weak and sinful, yet when sharing
His love and mercy I am ever blest.

He is my Lord, my Friend, yea, He’s my Brother;
And Jesus Christ is His most blessèd Name.
He loves more tenderly than any mother;
To rest in Him is more than wealth and fame.

My poor and wretched soul He bought so dearly,
And freed from condemnation, death, and hell;
The old and bitter foe He crushed completely;
My soul, rejoice and sing, for all is well!

Thus I’m redeemed; no more the law prevaileth,
For Christ, the Lord, is my Redeemer’s Name;
His precious blood more than my sins availeth;
And cleanseth me from all my guilt and shame.

With hallelujahs here I’d tell the story,
My Lord to praise, to laud and magnify;
And praise His Name forevermore in glory,
Before His throne with all the saints on high.

I have a Friend Who loveth me,
He gave His life on Calvary;
Upon the cross my sins He bore,
And I am saved forevermore.

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Oh, hallelujah, He’s my Friend,
He guides me to the journey’s end,
He walks beside me all the way,
And gives to me a crown some day.

My Savior’s love so full and free
Doth light the weary way for me;
It fills with joy each passing day
And drives my sorrows all away.

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I have a Friend, a mighty Friend,
Upon His power I may depend;
He reigneth over every land,
O’er valley, hill, on sea and strand.

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O brother, join us in our song!
This Friend to you would fain belong;
Tho’ far from what you’d like to be,
His grace sufficient is for thee.

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When the sun shines bright and your heart is light,
Jesus is the Friend you need;
When the clouds hang low in this world of woe,
Jesus is the Friend you need.

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Jesus is the Friend you need,
Such a Friend is He indeed;
He Who noteth ev’ry tear,
He will banish ev’ry fear,
Jesus is the Friend you need.

If you’re lost in sin, all is dark within,
Jesus is the Friend you need;
God alone can save through the Son He gave,
Jesus is the Friend you need.

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When in that sad hour, when in death’s grim pow’r,
Jesus is the Friend you need;
If you would prepare ’gainst the tempter’s snare,
Jesus is the Friend you need.

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When the cares of life all around are rife,
Jesus is the Friend you need;
Glory to His Name, always He’s the same,
Jesus is the Friend you need.

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I have a Friend so dear,
Constant and true is He,
Filling my heart with cheer,
So good to me.
He’s covered ev’ry sin and stain,
His pow’r now makes me whole again,
And soon with Him fore’er I’ll reign—
Jesus, my Friend.

He’s promised to return
To this dark world below,
Though wicked men may spurn,
To Him I’ll go.
He’ll take me to my home on high,
Where I shall live and never die,
He’ll wipe all tears from ev’ry eye—
Jesus, my Friend.

Then why should sorrow fill
Hearts that on Him rely,
His blessèd “Peace, be still”
Calms ev’ry cry.
Who fills with hope and courage now,
And at the last—I not not how—
Will place a crown upon my brow—
Jesus, my Friend.

Jesu, my Savior, Brother, Friend,
On Whom I cast my every care,
On Whom for all things I depend,
Inspire, and then accept, my prayer.

If I have tasted of Thy grace,
The grace that sure salvation brings,
If with me now Thy Spirit stays,
And hovering hides me in His wings.

Still let Him with my weakness stay,
Nor for a moment’s space depart,
Evil and danger turn away,
And keep till He renews my heart.

When to the right or left I stray,
His voice behind me may I hear,
“Return, and walk in Christ Thy way,
Fly back to Christ, for sin is near.”

His sacred unction from above
Be still my Comforter and Guide;
Till all the hardness He remove,
And in my loving heart reside.

Jesus, I fain would walk in Thee,
From nature’s every path retreat;
Thou art my Way, my Leader be,
And set upon the rock my feet.

Uphold me, Savior, or I fall,
O reach me out Thy gracious hand
Only on Thee for help I call,
Only by faith in Thee I stand.

On life’s pathway I am never lonely,
My Lord is with me, my Lord divine;
Ever present Guide, I trust Him only,
No longer lonely, for He is mine.

No longer lonely, no longer lonely,
For Jesus is the Friend of friends to me;
No longer lonely, no longer lonely,
For Jesus is the Friend of friends to me.

I shall not be lonely in my sorrow,
He will sustain me until the end;
Darkest night He turns to brightest morrow,
No longer lonely! He is my Friend.

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I shall not be lonely in the valley
Tho’ shadows gather, I will not fear;
He has promised ever to uphold me,
No longer lonely! He will be near.

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O Thou great Friend to all the sons of men,
Who once appeared in humblest guise below,
Sin to rebuke, to break the captive’s chain,
To call the brethren forth from want and woe.

Thee would I sing: Thy truth is still the light
Which guides the nations groping on their way,
Stumbling and falling in disastrous night,
Yet hoping ever for the perfect day.

Yes, Thou art still the Life; Thou art the Way
The holiest know—Light, Life and Way of Heav’n;
And they who dearest hope and deepest pray
Toil by the truth, life, way that Thou hast giv’n.

There’s an eye that watches o’er me,
Everywhere I’m called to go;
There’s a light that shines before me,
Brighter still the way will grow;
There’s a tender hand to guide me,
Thro’ the sunlight and the shade;
There’s a Friend Who walks beside me,
Ready to defend and aid.

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Jesus is the precious Friend,
Brightening life’s changeful story;
To His Name be all the glory,
He will guide me and defend;
Joy, joy, happy songs ascend;
He will comfort me in sadness,
Fill my heart with peace and gladness,
Jesus is my precious Friend.

O, to love this Friend more dearly,
Yielding all my life to Him!
O, to trust Him more sincerely,
Whether skies be bright or dim;
Let my daily service praise Him,
Let my voice hosannas swell;
Grateful carols I would raise Him,
Jesus doeth all things well.

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Never will this Friend forsake me,
I would in His love confide,
Then whatever ills o’ertake me,
Peace shall in my soul abide;
O, how great is His salvation,
O, what mercy He’ll extend!
He my Hope and Expectation,
He, my everlasting Friend.

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Singing, singing, light and free,
As the merry birds are we;
For a precious Friend is near,
Bending now our song to hear.

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Very thankful we should be,
For a Friend so dear as He;
Very thankful we should be,
For a Friend so dear as He.

Singing, singing all the day,
As the moments glide away;
Ever grateful for His care
And the tender love we share.

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Singing, singing, O how sweet,
Resting at the Savior’s feet;
Looking up with joyful eyes,
To His dwelling in the skies.

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There’s a Friend that abides evermore,
And that Friend is the Lord, my King;
Of the peace I received,
When His Word I believed,
In the fullness of joy I will sing.

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O come, quickly come!
He is calling you today,
O come to that Friend so true;
He will be your faithful Guide,
More than all the world beside,
And remember He has died for you.

There’s a Friend that abides evermore,
And I praise Him with loud acclaim;
For the life that is mine
Through His mercy divine;
Still I sing in my joy, “Bless His Name!”

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There’s a love that is strong as the hills
That encircle His throne above;
How it speaks to my soul
When the dark billows roll,
And my heart sings for joy, “God is love!”

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There’s a Friend that abides evermore,
And a Friend that I long to see;
O, the song that will break,
When to rapture I wake,
And in glory with Him I shall be!

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There’s no friend to me like Jesus,
He my ev’ry need supplies;
He not only saves but keeps me,
Nothing good from me denies.

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Yes, in Him I’m fully trusting,
Yes, through Him I’ll conquer all;
For I know He saves and keeps me,
And He’ll never let me fall.

All, yes, all to me is Jesus,
Blest Redeemer, Savior, Guide,
And from ev’ry foe defends me,
And in Him I’ll ever hide.

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I will never cease to love Him,
He Who died to set me free;
Now in Him I am abiding,
And some day His face I’ll see.

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To Thee, O Savior Friend,
Our loving prayers ascend,
To Thee we sing.
Upon Thine altars here
Our choicest gifts appear,
And all we hold most dear
To Thee we bring.

Sometimes our love to Thee
Grows cold, and seems to be
A fleeting breath.
But Thine burns warm and pure
While earthly things endure:
A love forever sure
In life and death.

Dear Lord, our love renew,
That we with zeal may do
Thy holy will.
Support us when we fail,
Be near us when we call,
Direct and help us all
To serve Thee still.

O my Redeemer,
What a Friend Thou art to me!
Oh, what a refuge I have found in Thee!
When the way was dreary,
And my heart was sore oppressed,
’Twas Thy voice that lulled me
To a calm sweet rest.

Refrain

Nearer, draw nearer,
Till my soul is lost in Thee;
Nearer, draw nearer,
Blessèd Lord, to me.

When in their beauty
Stars unveil their silver light,
Then, O my Savior,
Give me songs at night—
Songs of yonder mansions,
Where the dear ones, gone before,
Sing Thy praise for ever,
On that peaceful shore.

Refrain

Jesus, my Savior,
When the last deep shadows fall;
When in the silence
I shall hear Thy call—
In Thine arms reposing,
Let me breathe my life away,
And awake triumphant,
In eternal day.

Refrain

There never was a truer Friend than Jesus,
He hears me when my heart for mercy pleads;
And no one knows my burdens like my Jesus,
For He alone can understand my needs.

Refrain

Wonderful, unfailing Friend is Jesus,
He fills my soul with singing all the day;
Wonderful, eternal Friend is Jesus,
And He’ll go with me all the way.

There never was a truer Friend than Jesus,
My sorrows He will always with me share;
And since He bore His cross, my blessèd Jesus,
There is no cross He will not help me bear.

Refrain

There never was a truer Friend than Jesus,
He is my life and strength, my all in all;
Upon the strong and loving arms of Jesus
My soul shall rest, and never, never fail.

Refrain

My Lord, I did not choose You,
For that could never be;
My heart would still refuse You,
Had You not chosen me.
You took the sin that stained me,
You cleansed me, made me new;
Of old You have ordained me,
That I should live in You.

Unless Your grace had called me
And taught my op’ning mind,
The world would have enthralled me,
To heav’nly glories blind.
My heart knows none above You;
For Your rich grace I thirst;
I know that if I love You,
You must have loved me first.

’Tis not that I did choose Thee,
For Lord, that could not be;
This heart would still refuse Thee,
Hadst Thou not chosen me.
Thou from the sin that stained me
Hast cleansed and set me free;
Of old Thou hast ordained me,
That I should live to Thee.

’Twas sov’reign mercy called me
And taught my op’ning mind;
The world had else enthralled me,
To heav’nly glories blind.
My heart owns none before Thee,
For Thy rich grace I thirst;
This knowing, if I love Thee,
Thou must have loved me first.