188. Evangelical Obedience

1 No strength of nature can suffice
To serve the Lord aright;
And what she has she misapplies,
For want of clearer light.

2 How long beneath the law I lay,
In bondage and distress!
I toiled the precept to obey,
But toiled without success.

3 [Then to abstain from outward sin
Was more than I could do;
Now, if I feel its power within,
I feel I hate it too.]

4 [Then, all my servile works were done
A righteousness to raise;
Now, freely chosen in the Son,
I freely choose his ways.]

5 What shall I do, was then the word,
That I may worthier grow?
What shall I render to the Lord?
Is my inquiry now.

6 To see the law by Christ fulfilled,
And hear his pardoning voice,
Changes a slave into a child,
And duty into choice.

Text Information
First Line: No strength of nature can suffice
Title: Evangelical Obedience
Author: Cowper
Meter: C. M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1844
Topic: Regeneration and Conversion
Tune Information
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