Perplexity relieved

John Newton · 1779

Catalog grade guidance: 3–5 — Olney hymn for school recitation; preview archaic diction.

36 content lines · 195 words · Est. recitation about 2 min 25 sec (approx.)

Public-domain text for reading and recitation practice. Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library (Olney Hymns, 1779).Estimated time uses ~120 words/minute plus short pauses—not a contest rule.

Hymn 35

John Newton

8,6,8,6

Perplexity relieved.

Uncertain how the way to find

Which to salvation led;

I listened long, with anxious mind,

To hear what others said.

When some of joys and comforts told

I feared that I was wrong;

For I was stupid, dead, and cold,

Had neither joy nor song.

The Lord my lab'ring heart relieved,

And made my burden light;

Then for a moment I believed,

Supposing all was right.

Of fierce temptations others talked,

Of anguish and dismay;

Through what distresses they had walked,

Before they found the way.

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.

I had my wish, the LORD disclosed

The evils of my heart;

And left my naked soul, exposed

To Satan's fiery dart.

Alas! "I now must give it up,"

I cried in deep despair;

How could I dream of drawing hope,

From what I cannot bear!

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."