1. Hymn: Himself

Hymn: Himself 

Author: A. B. Simpson
(Vocal)
(Music)

1. Once it was the blessing,
    Now it is the Lord;
    Once it was the feeling,
    Now it is His Word.
    Once His gift I wanted,
    Now the Giver own;
    Once I sought for healing,
    Now Himself alone.

2. Once ’twas painful trying,
    Now ’tis perfect trust;
    Once a half salvation,
    Now the uttermost.
    Once ’twas ceaseless holding,
    Now He holds me fast;
    Once ’twas constant drifting,
    Now my anchor’s cast.

3. Once ’twas busy planning,
    Now ’tis trustful pray’r;
    Once ’twas anxious caring,
    Now He has the care.
    Once ’twas what I wanted,
    Now what Jesus says;
    Once ’twas constant asking,
    Now ’tis ceaseless praise.

4. Once it was my working,
    His it hence shall be;
    Once I tried to use Him,
    Now He uses me.
    Once the pow’r I wanted,
    Now the Mighty One;
    Once for self I labored,
    Now for Him alone.

5. Once I hoped in Jesus,
    Now I know He’s mine;
    Once my lamps were dying,
    Now they brightly shine.
    Once for death I waited,
    Now His coming hail;
    And my hopes are anchored,
    Safe within the veil.