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 toil'd the precept to obey,
But toil'd 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 chose 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 enquiry now.

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