TTT-Himnaro Cigneta ‎#523

523. I would, but cannot, sing

1. I would, but cannot, sing,
I would, but cannot, pray;
For Satan meets me when I try,
And frights my soul away.

2. I would, but can’t, repent,
Though I endeavor oft;
This stony heart can ne’er relent
Till Jesus makes it soft.

3. I would, but cannot, love,
Though loved by love divine;
No arguments have pow’r to move
A soul so base as mine.

4. I would, but cannot, rest
In God’s most holy will;
I know what he appoints is best,
Yet murmur at it still.

5. Oh, could I but believe!
Then all would easy be;
I would, but cannot — Lord, relieve,
My help must come from thee!

6. But if indeed I would,
Though I can nothing do,
Yet the desire is something good,
For which my praise is due.

7. By nature prone to ill,
Till thine appointed hour,
I was as destitute of will
As now I am of power.

8. Wilt thou not crown at length
The work thou hast begun?
And, with the 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
• Language: English
• Topic: Powerlessness; Sinfulness
• Source: Goble 159

Tune Information

• Name: WEST JEFFERSON
• As sung by: Elder Eddie Lyle (1982)
• Source: The Sound of the Dove, p. 142

Tune Information:

«based on a tune given in The Sound of the Dove, p. 142
"as sung by Elder Eddie Lyle, 24 July 1982,
West Jefferson, North Carolina"»