Long Time I Wandered In Darkness And Sin, A

A long time I wandered in darkness and sin,

And wondered if ever the light would shine in;

I heard Christian friends speak of raptures divine,

And I wished-how I wished-that their Savior were mine.

I wished He were mine, yes, I wished He were mine;

I wished-how I wished-that their Savior were mine.

I heard the glad Gospel of "good will to men";

I read "whosoever" again and again;

I said to my soul, "Can that promise be thine?"

And then began hoping that Jesus was mine.

I hoped He was mine, yes, I hoped He was mine,

And then began hoping that Jesus was mine.

Oh, mercy surprising! He saves even me!

"Thy portion forever," He says, "will I be";

On His Word I am resting-assurance divine:

I am "hoping" no longer, I know He is mine.

I know He is mine, yes, I know He is mine,

I'm hoping no longer-I know He is mine.