Conviction of Sin by the Law

Verse 1

Lord, how secure my conscience was, And felt no inward dread! I was alive without the law, And thought my sins were dead.

Verse 2

My hopes of heaven were firm and bright: But since the precept came With a convincing power and light, I find how vile I am.

Verse 3

My guilt appeared but small before, Till terribly I saw How perfect, holy, just, and pure, Was thy eternal law.

Verse 4

Then felt my soul the heavy load, My sins revived again; I had provoked a dreadful God, And all my hopes were slain.

Verse 5

My God, I cry with every breath For some kind power to save, To break the yoke of sin and death, And thus redeem the slave.