William Cowper

Olney Hymn 55. 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," said I, 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 shew 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."