We cannot be the heirs of grace By merits of self-right

1 We cannot be the heirs of grace
By merits of self-righteousness;
In all we do we cannot find
That which subdews the carnal mind.

2 Though train'd and tutor'd by the law,
We still remain in fear and awe;
All we can think, or say or do
Cannot create the heart anew.

3 It cannot make a foe a child,
Nor yet to God be reconcil'd;
That poison which remains within,
will keep the mind enslav'd to sin.

4 But God had laid a better plan
To save the helpless race of man,
It was his only blessed son
Could save, and none but him alone.

5 Thus when the time was all complete,
The time the Lord himself had set;
The Saviour came and shed his blood
And died to make us heirs of God.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #XXIV