HYMN #0702 SSS #702 • SS&S Meter: 8.7. Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200)

SS&S Hymn #702: Long in darkness we

Complete lyrics, stanzas, and pipe organ accompaniment • Sacred Songs & Solos

1

Long in darkness we have waited
For the shining of the Light;
Long have felt the things we hated
Sink us still in deeper night.
Blessed Jesus, loving Saviour!
Tender, faithful, strong, and true,
Break the fetters that have bound us,
Make us in Thyself anew!

2

Now, at last, the Light appeareth,
Jesus stands upon the shore;
And with tender voice He calleth,
"Come to Me, and sin no more!"

3

Nothing have we but our weakness,
Naught but sorrow, sin, and care;
All within is loathsome vileness,
All without is dark despair.

4

All our talents we have wasted,
All Thy laws have disobeyed;
But Thy goodness now we’ve tasted,
In Thy robes we stand arrayed.

5

Thou hast saved us—do Thou keep us,
Guide us by Thine eye divine;
Let the Holy Spirit teach us,
That our light may ever shine.
Blessed Jesus, be Thou near us,
Give us of Thy grace to-day;
While we’re calling, do Thou hear us,
Send us now Thy peace, we pray.

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Hymnological Reference • Historical Notes

Background, Themes & Devotional Notes for "Long in darkness we"

Collection: Sacred Songs & Solos

📜 Historical Background & Origin

This hymn is cataloged as Hymn #702 in Sacred Songs & Solos (1,200 Hymns), compiled by the American gospel singer and hymnologist Ira David Sankey (1840–1908).

Sankey popularized these sacred songs during the transatlantic evangelistic campaigns led alongside Dwight L. Moody between 1873 and 1903. The compilation became one of the most widely printed hymnals in Christendom, cherished by Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian, and Pentecostal congregations throughout the world.

🕊️ Devotional Themes & Reflection

Composed of 5 stanzas, the text centers on foundational biblical themes: adoration and praise to God, humble reliance upon divine grace, steadfast faith amid trials, and the everlasting hope of salvation in Jesus Christ.

Whether sung during Sunday corporate worship or read during family devotions and personal prayer, these stanzas guide the believer to reflect on God's unending mercies and steadfast faithfulness across every season of life.

🎼 Musical Structure & Liturgy

Poetic Meter: 8.7.
Stanza Structure: 5 Verses with cathedral pipe organ accompaniment
Liturgical Placement: Suitable as an Opening Hymn of Praise, Call to Worship, Offertory, or Closing Doxology
Pipe Organ Audio: Multi-verse accompaniment synthesized to support organists, choir rehearsals, and home worship

⚖️ Public Domain Archival: This historic hymn text and tune are in the worldwide public domain and may be freely printed in church bulletins or projected for public worship.

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