Sunday Hymn: I Will Sing the Wondrous Story

There several different tunes used for this one. Here are four, starting with the one I grew up singing. 

I will sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me,
How he left the realms of glory
For the cross on Calvary.

Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me,
Sing it with the saints in glory,
Gathered by the crystal sea.

I was lost: but Jesus found me,
Found the sheep that went astray,
Raised me up and gently led me
Back into the narrow way.

Faint was I, and fears possessed me,
Bruised was I from many a fall;
Hope was gone, and shame distressed me:
But his love has pardoned all.

Days of darkness still may meet me,
Sorrow’s path I oft may tread;
But his presence still is with me,
By his guiding hand I’m led.

He will keep me till the river
Rolls its waters at my feet:
Then he’ll bear me safely over,
Made by grace for glory meet.

—Francis H. Rowley