Converted to Jesus

Converted to Jesus was written for, and sung on, the occasion of my baptism and admission to membership in the Mt. Auburn Presbyterian Church, of this city [Cincinnati, Ohio], in April, 1894. It was written to the tune of Portuguese Hymn, but a new tune has since been set to the words by George C. Kersey, of Kentucky…This was my first attempt in writing verse.

John Peaslee, Occasional Verses and Sacred Songs (Cincinnati, Ohio: Jennings & Graham, 1905), p. 186

Escoffier, George C. Kersey, in Uplifting Songs, New and Old, edited by Charles C. Case & James R. Murray (Cincinnati, Ohio: John Church Company, 1896), number 120 (MIDI, NWC, PDF).

Converted to Jesus! oh, blessèd the day,
When the darkness of doubt was all banished away,
And joy in a new life of faith has begun
In works of devotion to God and His Son.

Refrain

Converted to Jesus, oh, blessèd the day,
When the darkness of doubt was all banished away.

Converted to Jesus! oh, precious the thought,
Obeying the truth that our Savior has taught,
Of following Him who alone can us save
In land of immortals beyond the dark grave.

Refrain

Converted to Jesus! oh, wondrous love
That centers our hopes on the kingdom above,
And opens the way to the heavenly home,
Where ransomed from sin all believers shall come.

Refrain

Converted to Jesus! oh, marvelous the deed,
Redemption through Christ of poor mortals in need—
Salvation is free and is offered to all,
Who, trusting His promise, on Jesus shall call.

Refrain