Conviction of sin by the law. Rom. 7:8,9,14,24. Lord, how secure my conscience was, And felt no inward dread! I was alive without the law, And thought my sins were dead. My hopes of heav'n were firm and bright, But since the precept came With a convincing power and light, I find how vile I am. [My guilt appeared but small before, Till terribly I saw How perfect, holy, just, and pure, Was thine eternal law. Then felt my soul the heavy load, My sins revived again I had provoked a dreadful God, And all my hopes were slain.] I'm like a helpless captive, sold Under the power of sin I cannot do the good I would, Nor keep my conscience clean. My God, I cry with every breath For some kind power to save, To break the yoke of sin and death, And thus redeem the slave.