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 —
Surely thou wilt hear Him answer,
Child, I loved thee long ago.