The A.M.E. Zion Hymnal ‎#396

396. Forgive My Foes? It Cannot Be

1 Forgive my foes? it cannot be:
My foes with cordial love embrace?
Fast bound in sin and misery,
Unsaved, unchanged by hallowing grace,
Throughout my fallen soul I feel
With man this is impossible.

2 Great Searcher of the mazy heart,
A thought from Thee I would not hide
I cannot draw th'envenomed dart,
Or quench this hell of wrath and pride.
Jesus, till I Thy Spirit receive,
Thou knowest, I never can forgive.

3 Come, Lord, and tame the tiger's force,
Arrest the whirlwind in my will,
Turn back the torrent's rapid course,
And bid the headlong sun stand still,
The rock dissolve, the mountain move,
And melt my hatred into love.

4 Root out the wrath thou dost restrain;
And when I have my Saviour's mind,
I cannot render pain for pain,
I cannot speak a word unkind,
An angry thought I cannot know,
Or count mine injurer my foe.

Text Information

• First Line: Forgive my foes? it cannot be
• Title: Forgive My Foes? It Cannot Be
• Author: Charles Wesley, 1707-1788
• Meter: 8 8 8 8 8 8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1999
• Topic: The Call to Salvation

Tune Information

• Name: WAVERTREE
• Composer: W Shore
• Meter: 8 8 8 8 8 8
• Key: D Major