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NOW HIS WILL IS MINE—1899

“Once I sought a blessing; now I’ve found my Lord;
Once I sought for feeling: now I’ve found his Word;
Once his gifts I wanted: now the Giver own;
Once I sought flesh-healing: now himself alone.

“Once it was my working: his it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use him: now he uses me;
Once the power I wanted: now the mighty One;
Once for self I labored: now for Christ alone.

“Once ’twas painful trying: now ’tis restful 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.

“Once ’twas busy planning: now ’tis trustful prayer;
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.

“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 presence hail,
And my hopes are anchored safe within the vail.”

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— January 1, 1899 —