First Line: A long time I wandered in darkness and sin

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 Saviour were mine.
I wished He were mine, yes, I wished He were mine ;
I wished — how I wished — that their Saviour were mine.

2 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.

3 Oh, mercy surprising ! He saves even me!
Thy portion for ever, 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.