I'd roamed around by no ties bound,
But fancy's vain and fickle will;
Squandered my youth and trampled truth,
Beneath my wayward feet, until
My carnal heart had taken part
In all that pride finds pleasure in,
While fathoming the depths of sin.
At this vile wantonness, one day
I lost my immortality,
And stood before the open door
Of sheol's grim reality;
Brought face to face with death, and grace,
Jehovah's loving kindness, spurned,
How cravingly to live I yearned.
Praying for life, immortal life,
I offered what I had in lands,
Silver, my gold, the fees I hold,
And all the labor of my hands.
The decalogue, through fear of God,
I vowed to keep; yet none of these
The king of terrors could appease.
At last I prayed for light and said,
Show me, O Lord, the way; what Thou
Wouldst have me do I'll now pursue;
Forgive! Cool thou my fevered brow,
Teach me to share my brother's care,
To love mankind; and if not me,
Bless Thou, O Lord, mine enemy.
At this there came a great acclaim,
Hosannas from the hills of peace,
Angelic throngs broke into songs
And Mercy brought me sure surcease
Of blighting pain, and o'er again
Jehovah reckoned unto me
The righteousness of purity.