Christian Classics
‹ Olney Hymns

John Newton & William Cowper · 199 of 356

57. In evil long I took delight

Hymn 57

In evil long I took delight, Unawed by shame or 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 near his cross I stood.

Sure, never till my latest breath, Can I forget that look; It seemed to charge me with his death, Though not a word he spoke.

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 ransom paid, I die, that thou may’st live.”

Thus, while his death my sin displays, In all its blackest hue; (Such is the mystery of ) 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.