Author:		John Newton, 1725-1807
Musician:		Kathleen Shea Vick, 1953-

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In evil long I took delight, unawed by shame or fear,
'til 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 'til 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 mayst 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.