Sin enslaved me many years, br And led me bound and blind; br Till at length a thousand fears br Came swarming o'er my mind. br 'Where,' said I, in deep distress, br 'Will these sinful pleasures end? br How shall I secure my peace br And make the Lord my friend?' br br Friends and ministers said much br The gospel to enforce; br But my blindness still was such, br I chose a legal course: br Much I fasted, watch'd, and strove, br Scarce would shew my face abroad, br Fear'd almost to speak or move, br A stranger still to God. br br Thus afraid to trust His grace, br Long time did I rebel; br Till despairing of my case, br Down at His feet I fell: br Then my stubborn heart He broke, br And subdued me to His sway; br By a simple word He spoke, br 'Thy sins are done away.