Perplexity Relieved

Author: John Newton (1725-1807)

Uncertain how the way to find
Which to salvation led;
I listened long, with anxious mind,
To hear what others said.

When some of joys and comforts told
I feared that I was wrong;
For I was stupid, dead, and cold,
Had neither joy nor song.

The Lord my lab’ring heart relieved,
And made my burden light;
Then for a moment I believed,
Supposing all was right.

Of fierce temptations others talked,
Of anguish and dismay;
Through what distresses they had walked,
Before they found the way.

Ah! then I thought my hopes were vain,
For I had lived at ease;
I wished for all my fears again,
To make me more like these.

I had my wish, the LORD disclosed
The evils of my heart;
And left my naked soul, exposed
To Satan’s fiery dart.

Alas! “I now must give it up,”
I cried in deep despair;
How could I dream of drawing hope,
From what I cannot bear!

Again my Savior brought me aid,
And when he set me free;
“Trust simply on my word, he said,
And leave the rest to me.”