The Christians Duty, exhibited, in a series of Hymns ‎#CXXXI

CXXXI. The Good that I would I do not

1 I would, but cannot sing,
Guilt has untun'd my Voice,
The Serpent sin's envenom'd Sting
Has poison'd all my Joys.

2 I know the Lord is nigh,
And would, but cannot pray;
For Satan meets me when I try,
And frights my Soul away.

3 I would, but can't Repent,
Tho' I endeavor oft;
This stony Heart can ne'er relent
'Till Jesus makes it soft.

4 I would, but cannot Love,
Tho' woo'd by Love Divine;
No Arguments have pow'r to move
A Soul so base as mine.

5 I would, but cannot rest
In God's most holy Will;
I know what he appoints is best,
Yet Murmur at it still.

6 Oh could I but believe!
Then all would easy be;
I would, but cannot; Lord relieve;
My Help must come from thee!

7 But if indeed I wou'd,
Tho' I can nothing do;
Yet the Desire is something good,
For which my Praise is due.

8 By Nature prone to Ill,
Till thine appointed Hour,
I was as destitute of Will,
As now I am of Pow'r.

9 Wilt thou not Crown, at length,
The Work thou hast begun?
And with a Will afford me Strength,
In all thy Ways to run.

Text Information

• First Line: I would but cannot sing
• Title: The Good that I would I do not
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1791
• Topic: Fall of Man, or Depravity of Humna Nature

Tune Information

(No tune information)