Drive away from me, and shield me From such instability; If I, Father, have defil'd me (For I also human be) With this mire, and did I ever Falsehood love, oh! now deliver. All my guilt I own to Thee, Patience give, and grace to me! May I ne'er be overtaken By the evils Thou hast said Come on those who've truth forsaken, And with wares deceptive trade; For Thou sayest Thou disownest, As abomination shunnest, Ev'ry hypocrite's false mood, Who talks, but doth not the good. May my heart be constant ever, Faithful still to every friend; When to grief Thou dost deliver Them, and 'neath the cross they bend, May I even then ne'er shun them, But like unto Thee, Lord, own them, Who, when we were poor and bare, Tended'st us with fondest care. After Thy will, Saviour, give me One in whom I may confide, Who will faithful counsel give me When my heart is sorely tried; To whom I may freely utter All I feel, with nought to fetter, In the measure I may need, 'Till my heart from care is freed. Oh! let David's bliss betide me, Give to me a Jonathan Who will come and stand beside me Like a rock, though every man From my company should sever, Who his heart will give me ever, Who'll stand firm in every hour, When sun shines or tempests low'r. Out of all the men who're living, Choose me a believing friend, Who to Thee is firmly cleaving, On Thine arm doth aye depend; Who may by Thy will relieve me, Help and comfort ever give me, Help, from sympathizing heart, Comfort, when I feel grief's smart. When 'tis only the mouth loveth, Then the love is ill bestow'd; Whose love but to good words moveth While he keeps a hateful mood, Whom self-interest rules ever, Who when honey falls, stays never, But escapeth speedily,-- Ever far be such from me! In my weakness and my sinning, Move my friend to speak to me, By his words of kindness winning, Never as an enemy. Who reproves in love and sadness Is like him, in days of gladness, Who pours balsam over me That by Jordan floweth free. Riches great were I possessing, Priceless were my property; Jesus! did Thy hand such blessing Graciously bestow on me, Were such friend, Lord! ever near me, By His constancy to cheer me; Who doth honour Thee, and fear He hath such a treasure near. Good friends like to staves are ever, Whereon men lean as they go, That the weak one can deliver, When he slides and lieth low: Sad his case who such ne'er knoweth, Who through life all friendless goeth, Weary is his lonely way, When he falls, to help who stay?