Awaked by Sinai's awful sound, My soul in guilt and thrall I found, And knew not where to go: O'erwhelm'd in sin with anguish slain, “The sinner must be born again,” Or sink in 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'erwhelm'd my tortured mind. Again did Sinai's thunders roll, And guilt lay heavy on my soul, A vast oppressive load: Alas, I read, and saw it plain, “The sinner must be born again,” Or feel the wrath of God. The saints I heard with rapture tell How Jesus conquer'd death and hell, And broke the fowler's snare; But when I found this truth remain, “The sinner must be born again,” I sank in deep despair. But while I thus in anguish lay, Jesus of Naz'reth passed that way, And felt His pity move: The sinner, by His justice slain, Now by His grace is born again, And sings redeeming love.