Perplexity Relieved

I

Uncertain how the way to find
  Which to salvation led,
I listen’d long, with anxious mind,
  To hear what others said.

II

When some of joys and comforts told,
  I fear’d that I was wrong;
For I was stupid, dead, and cold⁠—
  Had neither joy nor song.

III

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

IV

Of fierce temptations others talk’d,
  Of anguish, and dismay⁠—
Through what distresses they had walk’d
  Before they found the way.

V

Ah! then I thought my hopes were vain,
  For I had lived at ease;
I wish’d for all my fears again,
  To make me more like these.

VI

I had my wish: the Lord disclosed
  The evils of my heart,
And left my naked soul exposed
  To Satan’s fiery dart.

VII

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

VIII

Again my Saviour brought me aid,
  And when he set me free,
“Trust simply on my word,” he said,
  “And leave the rest to me.”