In evil long I took delight,
Un-awed by sin or fear,
Till a new object struck my sight,
And stopped my wild career.
I saw One hanging on a tree,
In agonies and blood;
He fixed His languid eyes on me,
As near His cross I stood.
Oh never till my latest breath
Shall I forget that look;
It seemed to charge me with His death,
Though not a word He spoke.
My conscience felt and owned the guilt;
It plunged me in despair;
I saw my sins His blood had spilled,
And helped to nail Him there.
A second look He gave which said,
"I freely all forgive;
My blood has for thy ransom paid;
I died that thou mayest live."
John Newton