Hymns

Ensnared, too long, my heart has been

by John Newton·1779·Meter 8.6.8.6 (CM)

Based on Prov 8:34,35

1

Ensnared, too long, my heart has been
In folly's hurtful ways;
O, may I now, at length, begin
To hear what Wisdom says!

2

'Tis JESUS, from the mercy-seat,
Invites me to his rest;
He calls poor sinners to his feet
To make them truly blest.

3

Approach my soul to Wisdom's gates
While it is called today;
No one who watches there and waits
Shall e'er be turned away.

4

He will not let me seek in vain,
For all, who trust his word,
Shall everlasting life obtain,
And favor from the LORD.

5

LORD, I have hated thee too long,
And dared thee to thy face;
I've done my soul exceeding wrong
In slighting all thy grace.

6

Now I would break my league with death,
And live to thee alone;
O let thy Spirit's seal of faith,
Secure me for thine own.

7

Let all the saints assembled here,
Yea, let all heav'n rejoice;
That I begin with this new-year,
To make the LORD my choice.

New-Year, after sermons