John Newton 8,6,8,6 Looking at the cross. In evil long I took delight, Unawed by shame 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; Who fixed his languid eyes on me, As near his cross I stood. Sure, never till my latest breath, Can 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, And plunged me in despair; I saw my sins his blood had spilt, And helped to nail him there. Alas! I knew not what I did, But now my tears are vain; Where shall my trembling soul be hid? For I the LORD have slain. A second look he gave, which said, "I freely all forgive; This blood is for thy ransom paid, I die, that thou may'st live." Thus, while his death my sin displays, In all its blackest hue; (Such is the mystery of grace) It seals my pardon too. With pleasing grief and mournful joy, My spirit now is filled; That I should such a life destroy, Yet live by him I killed. |