Sin enslaved me many years, <br />And led me bound and blind; <br />Till at length a thousand fears <br />Came swarming o'er my mind. <br />'Where,' said I, in deep distress, <br />'Will these sinful pleasures end? <br />How shall I secure my peace <br />And make the Lord my friend?' <br /> <br />Friends and ministers said much <br />The gospel to enforce; <br />But my blindness still was such, <br />I chose a legal course: <br />Much I fasted, watch'd, and strove, <br />Scarce would shew my face abroad, <br />Fear'd almost to speak or move, <br />A stranger still to God. <br /> <br />Thus afraid to trust His grace, <br />Long time did I rebel; <br />Till despairing of my case, <br />Down at His feet I fell: <br />Then my stubborn heart He broke, <br />And subdued me to His sway; <br />By a simple word He spoke, <br />'Thy sins are done away.'<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/olney-hymn-55-the-heart-healed-and-changed-by-mercy/
