The Cyber Hymnal ‎#751

751. Christ a Redeemer and Friend

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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!

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 straitened, cold and dumb,
And count my privilege a task

7. Before the world that hates His course,
My treacherous heart has throbbed with shame;
Loath to forego the worlds applause,
I hardly dare avow His name.

8. 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.

Text Information

• First Line: Poor, weak and worthless though I am
• Title: Christ a Redeemer and Friend
• Author: John Newton (1799)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Source: Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), number 30
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: HAMBURG
• Composer: Lowell Mason (1824)
• Meter: LM
• Incipit: 11232 34323 33343
• Key: F Major
• Copyright: Public Domain