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."