| "In evil long I took delight, unawed by shame and fear; Till a new object struck my sight and stopped my wild career. I saw one hanging on a tree in agonies and blood; Who fixed his languid eyes on me as new his cross I stood. My conscience felt and owned the guilt and plunged me in despair; I saw my sins his blood had spilt and helped to nail him there. Alas, I knew not what I did but now my tears are vain; Where shall my trembling soul be hid, For I the Lord have slain. A second look he gave which said, I freely all forgive; This blood is for thy ransomed paid I died that thou mayest live. Thus while his death my sin displays in all its blackest hue; Such is the mystery of Grace it seals my pardon too. With pleasing grief and mournful joy, my spirit now is filled; That I should such a life destroy, yet live by him I killed." ~John Newton~ |
 |