The poem
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."