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 wish'd, how I wish'd, that their Saviour was mine.
I wish'd He were mine, yes, I wish'd He were mine;
I wish,d, how I wish'd, that their Saviour was 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;
I 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'm resting - assurance divine -
I'm "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!