IN evil long I took delight,

I saw One hanging on a tree, In agonies and blood, Who fixed His loving eyes on me, As near His cross I stood.

Never until 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 fell to deep despair; I saw my sins His blood had spilt, And helped to nail Him there.

Another look He gave, which said, ‘I freely all forgive; This blood has for your ransom paid; I die, that you may live.’

Thus while His death my sin displays In all its ugly hue, Such is the wonder of His grace, It seals my pardon too.