A friend I have who never
Forsakes me in my need;
Whose love, continuing ever,
Is proved by word and deed.
He sought me when, in folly,
I wandered far abroad;
To Him I owe it wholly
That now I walk with God.

I often vex and grieve Him
By sinful unbelief;
And oft forget, and leave Him
To seek elsewhere relief.
But when my troubles gather,
And sorrows overpower;
He leaves me not, but rather
Seems kinder than before.

Though now thick clouds enfold me,
Not knowing what awaits,
I’m sure He will uphold me,
In all my trying straits.
I know He will my losses
Convert to heavenly gains,
And He will use my crosses,
To break my earthly chains.

-John Milne, The Life of John Milne by Horatius Bonar, Banner of Truth Trust, 257-258.