1 O Precious gift from God above!
To be possess'd with christian love;
The greatest joy the soul can find:
That is to have the Saviour's mind.
2 Such christians are to all a friend,
To others need's they will attend;
They live not for themselves alone,
But feel for those who grieve and mourn.
3 Their hearts with kind affections flows,
And they are kind to friends and foes;
They help in ev'ry time of need,
And prove to all a friend indeed.
4 They teach, admonish and advise,
Without deception or disguise:
They are sincere in all they do,
In all their dealings, just and true.
5 They have the cause of God at heart,
They strive to act the christian part;
And every office they do bear
They execute with holy fear.
6 O, blessed souls in such a state!
Who, their bless'd Saviour immitate;
How bless'd and happy will they be
With Christ to all eternity.
Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #XXXVI