Awaked by sinai's awful sound

Awaked by Sinai's awful sound,
My soul in bonds of guilt I found,
And knew not where to go
Eternal truth did loud proclaim,
"The sinner must be born again,
Or sink to 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'erwhelmed my tortured mind.

The saints I heard with rapture tell
How Jesus conquered death and hell,
And broke the fowler's snare
Yet when I found this truth remain,
"The sinner must be born again,"
I sank in deep despair.

But while I thus in anguish lay,
The gracious Savior passed this way,
And felt His pity move
The sinner, by His justice slain,
Now by His grace is born again
And sings redeeming love.