The Heart Healed And Changed By Mercy.

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