Long years I wander'd far astray,
Long years the paths of sorrow trod,
Still overshadow'd day by day
By love, the patient love of God.

The time of mercy came at last,
His sheep the Shepherd sought and found;
And, as He smiled and homeward pass'd,
By love omnipotence was crown'd.

He brought me to His shelter'd fold,
He wash'd in blood my miry fleece,
And guided me with love untold
In ways of pleasantness and peace.

Alas, this wayward heart of mine
Too often wounds its tenderest Friend;
But that unchanging heart of Thine
Loves its beloved ones to the end.

And love must realize its best:
Love cannot fail of love's design:
The child must find the Father's breast:
The human must become divine:

And then no wrinkle on her brow,
No blush of shame, of tears no trace,
Thy Bride who sees Thee dimly now
Unveil'd shall see Thee face to face.

O rapturous gaze surpassing thought,
Which writes Thy likeness on Thine own;
A likeness near and nearer wrought,
And perfected before the Throne.