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Sermon Illustrations > Forgiveness > The Heart Healed and Changed by Mercy

The Heart Healed and Changed by Mercy


Olney Hymns, William Cowper, from Cowper's Poems, Sheldon & Company, New York

Sin enslaved my many years,And led me bound and blind;Till at length a thousand fearsCame 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 muchThe 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."