A Collection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs ‎#LXI

LXI. In evil long I took delight

1 In evil long I took delight,
Unaw'd by shame or fear
Till a new object struck my sight,
And stopt my wild career.

2 I saw one hanging on a tree,
In agonies of blood;
He fix'd his languid eyes on me;
As near his cross I stood.

3 Sure never to my latest breath,
Shall I forget that look;
He seem'd to charge me with his death,
Though not a word he spoke.

4 My conscience felt and own'd the guilt,
And plung'd me in despair;
I saw my sins his blood had spilt,
And help'd to nail him there.

5 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.

6 A second look he gave, which said,
I freely all forgive;
This blood is for thy ransom paid,
I dy'd that thou may'st live.

7 With pleasing grief and mournful joy,
My spirits now were fill'd,
That I should such a life destroy,
Yet live by him I kill'd.

Text Information

• First Line: In evil long I took delight
• Author: John Newton
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1801

Tune Information

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