William Cowper

Here you will find the Poem The Heart Healed and Changed by Mercy of poet William Cowper

The Heart Healed and Changed by Mercy

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."