The Cyber Hymnal ‎#3155

3155. I Would, but Cannot Sing

1. I would, but cannot sing,
Guilt has untuned my voice;
The serpent sin’s envenomed sting
Has poisoned 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
Though I endeavor oft;
This stony heart can ne’er relent
Till Jesus make it soft.

4. I would but cannot love,
Though wooed 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 would,
Though 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: I Would, but Cannot Sing
• Author: John Newton (1779)
• Meter: SM
• Language: English
• Source: Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), number 126
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tunes: ST. BRIDE, Samuel Howard, 1762; ST. IGNATIUS (BARNBY), Joseph Barnby, 1869

Tune Information

• Name: SOUTHWELL (Daman)
• Composer: William Daman (1579)
• Meter: SM
• Incipit: 13322 11334 45577
• Key: e minor
• Source: Psalmes of David in English Meter, 1579
• Copyright: Public Domain