Hymn lyrics and Music by A. B. Simpson, 1891

Once it was the blessing, now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, not it is His Word;
Once His gift I wanted, now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, now Himself alone.

Once ‘twas painful trying, not ‘tis perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, now the uttermost!
Once was 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 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 Him alone.

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.

All in all forever, Jesus will I sing;
Everything in Jesus, and Jesus everything.

*Copyright status is public domain