I would, but cannot sing

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. I would, but cannot sing,Guilt has untuned my voice;The serpent sin’s envenomed stingHas poisoned all my joys.

2. 2

   Stanza 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. 3

   Stanza 3. I would but can’t repentThough I endeavor oft;This stony heart can ne’er relentTill JESUS make it soft.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. I would but cannot love,Though wooed by love divine;No arguments have pow’r to moveA soul so base as mine.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. I would, but cannot restIn GOD’S most holy will;I know what he appoints is best,Yet murmur at it still!

6. 6

   Stanza 6. Oh could I but believe!Then all would easy be;I would, but cannot, LORD relieve,My help must come from thee!

7. 7

   Stanza 7. But if indeed I would,Though I can nothing do,Yet the desire is something good,For which my praise is due.

8. 8

   Stanza 8. By nature prone to ill,Till thine appointed hourI was as destitute of will,As now I am of pow’r.

9. 9

   Stanza 9. Wilt thou not crown, at length,The work thou hast begun?And with a will, afford me strengthIn all thy ways to run.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 1, Hymn 126. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/1-126