Ensnared, too long, my heart has been

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. Ensnared, too long, my heart has beenIn folly’s hurtful ways;O, may I now, at length, beginTo hear what Wisdom says!

2. 2

   Stanza 2. ’Tis JESUS, from the mercy–seat,Invites me to his rest;He calls poor sinners to his feetTo make them truly blest.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. Approach my soul to Wisdom’s gatesWhile it is called today;No one who watches there and waitsShall e’er be turned away.

4. 4

   Stanza 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. 5

   Stanza 5. LORD, I have hated thee too long,And dared thee to thy face;I’ve done my soul exceeding wrongIn slighting all thy grace.

6. 6

   Stanza 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. 7

   Stanza 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.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 2, Hymn 23. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/2-23