Uncertain how the way to find

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. Uncertain how the way to findWhich to salvation led;I listened long, with anxious mind,To hear what others said.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. When some of joys and comforts toldI feared that I was wrong;For I was stupid, dead, and cold,Had neither joy nor song.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. The Lord my lab’ring heart relieved,And made my burden light;Then for a moment I believed,Supposing all was right.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. Of fierce temptations others talked,Of anguish and dismay;Through what distresses they had walked,Before they found the way.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. 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.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. I had my wish, the LORD disclosedThe evils of my heart;And left my naked soul, exposedTo Satan’s fiery dart.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. Alas! “I now must give it up,”I cried in deep despair;How could I dream of drawing hope,From what I cannot bear!

8. 8

   Stanza 8. 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.”

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 3, Hymn 35. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/3-35