A long time I wandered in darkness and sin,
And wondered if ever the light would shine in;
I heard Christian friends tell of rapture divine,
And wished, how I wished, that their Saviour 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 were mine.
Oh, mercy surprising, He saves even me!
“Thy portion forever,” He says, “will I be”;
On His word I’m resting — assurance divine —
I’m “hoping” no longer — I know He is mine!