Page:The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African.pdf/339

[ 293 ] Strivings and wrestling seem'd in vain; Nothing I did could ease my pain: Then gave I up my work and will, Confess'd and own'd my doom was hell!

Like some poor pris'ner at the bar, Conscious of guilt, of sin and fear, Arraign'd, and self-condemn'd I stood— "Lost in the world and in my blood!"

Yet here, 'midst blackest clouds confin'd, A beam from Christ, the day-star, shin'd; Surely, thought I, if Jesus please, He can at once sign my release.

I, ignorant of his righteousness, Set up my labours in its place; "Forgot for why his blood was shed, "And pray'd and fasted in his stead."

He dy'd for sinners — I am one; Might not his blood for me atone? Tho' I am nothing else but sin, Yet surely he can make me clean!

Thus light came in, and I believ'd; Myself forgot, and help receiv'd! My Saviour then I know I found, For, eas'd from guilt, no more I groan'd.

O, happy hour, in which I ceas'd To mourn, for then I found a rest! My soul and Christ were now as one— Thy light, O Jesus, in me shone! Rh