Far away my steps had wandered, Long in paths of sin I strayed, Till my wayward heart deceived me, And the world my trust betrayed : Then I cried, " There's none can help me, " None whose love can soothe my woe, When I heard a voice that whispered, , " Child, I loved thee iong ago."
" Long ago, . . long ago ; . . Child, I loved thee long ago ; " Oh, how sweet the voice that whispered, " Child, I loved . . thee long ago ! "
2. Through His mercy He received me, All my sins He washed away ; At His feet I knelt and praised Him For the joy I found that day. Now amid the verdant pastures, Where the tranquil waters flow, Still 1 hear His voice repeating, " Child. I loved thee long ago."
3. Come to Him, O heavy laden, Only trust, and He'll forgive ; To the cross, where once He suffered, Lo, He bids thee look and live. If by faith and true repentance Thou wilt ask His love to know â Surely thou wilt hear Him answer, "Child, I loved thee long ago."