A Selection of Hymns ‎#CCCIX

CCCIX. Complaining—The Good that I would, I doanot

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,
Tho' I endeavour oft;
This stony heart can ne'er relent
Till Jesus makes it soft.

3 I would, but cannot love,
Tho' woo'd 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 O 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,
Tho' 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 a will, afford me strength,
In all thy ways to run.

Text Information

• First Line: I would, but cannot sing
• Title: Complaining—The Good that I would, I doanot
• Meter: S. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1792
• Scripture:
  Romans 7:19
• Topic: The Christian; Christian: Complaining of sin and inconstancy; Complaint: Of inability to do good; Conflict; Inability to God complained of

Tune Information

(No tune information)