Awaked By Sinai's Awful Sound

Awaked by Sinai's awful sound,

My soul in bonds of guilt I found,

And knew not where to go;

Eternal truth did loud proclaim,

"The sinner must be born again,

Or sink to endless woe."

Amazed I stood, but could not tell

Which way to shun the gates of hell,

For death and hell drew near;

I strove, indeed, but strove in vain;

"The sinner must be born again"

Still sounded in my ear.

When to the law I trembling fled,

It poured its curses on my head;

I no relief could find.

This fearful truth increased my pain;

"The sinner must be born again"

O'erwhelmed my tortured mind.

The saints I heard with rapture tell

How Jesus conquered death and hell,

And broke the fowler's snare;

Yet when I found this truth remain,

"The sinner must be born again,"

I sank in deep despair.

But while I thus in anguish lay,

The gracious Savior passed this way,

And felt His pity move;

The sinner, by His justice slain,

Now by His grace is born again;

And sings redeeming love.