I SOUGHT THE LORD

"We love Him, because He first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Words: Anonymous, circa 1880. This hymn's first publication was apparently in Boston, Massachusetts, in Holy Songs, Carols and Sacred Ballads.
Music: "Peace," George Whitefield Chadwick, 1890.

I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew
He moved my soul to seek Him, seeking me.
It was not I that found, O Savior true;
No, I was found of Thee.

Thou didst reach forth Thy hand and mine enfold;
I walked and sank not on the storm vexed sea.
'Twas not so much that I on Thee took hold,
As Thou, dear Lord, on me.

I find, I walk, I love, but oh, the whole
Of love is but my answer, Lord, to Thee!
For Thou were long beforehand with my soul,
Always Thou lovest me.