You help make Hymnary.org possible.

In 2025, more than 10 million people from 200+ countries found hymns, liturgical resources, and encouragement here. If Hymnary has meant something to you this year, would you take a moment to help sustain it? A gift of any size — and a note of encouragement, if you'd like to share one — directly supports the server costs, research, and curation that keep this resource freely available to the world.

Give securely online today, or mail a check to:
Hymnary.org (c/o Calvin University)
3201 Burton Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Thank you for being part of this important online ministry resource.

433. The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago

1 There was a time I know
When in the book of heav’n
An old account was standing
For sins yet unforgiv’n;
My name was at the top
And many things below,
I went unto the Keeper,
And settled long ago.

Refrain:
Long ago, long ago,
Yes, the old account was settled long ago,
And the record’s clear today,
For He washed my sins away,
When the old account was settled long ago.

2 The old account was large,
And growing ev'ry day,
For I was always sinning,
And never tried to pay:
But when I looked ahead
And saw such pain and woe,
I said that I would settle,
And settled long ago. [Refrain]

3 When at the judgment bar
I stand before my King,
And He the book will open,
He cannot find a thing;
Then will my heart be glad,
While tears of joy will flow
Because I had it settled,
And settled long ago. [Refrain]

4 O sinner, seek the Lord,
Repent of all your sin,
For thus He has commanded,
If you would enter in:
And then if you should live
A hundred years below,
E'en here you’ll not regret it,
You settled long ago. [Refrain]

Text Information
First Line: There was a time I know
Title: The Old Account Was Settled Long Ago
Author: F. M. Graham
Refrain First Line: Long ago, long ago
Language: English
Publication Date: 1982
Topic: Testimony, Witness and Evangelism
Tune Information
Name: [There was a time I know]
Composer: F. M. Graham
Key: A♭ Major



Media
More media are available on the text authority and tune authority pages.

Suggestions or corrections? Contact us
It looks like you are using an ad-blocker. Ad revenue helps keep us running. Please consider white-listing Hymnary.org or getting Hymnary Pro to eliminate ads entirely and help support Hymnary.org.