William Cowper 8,6,8,6 Love constraining to obedience. No strength of nature can suffice To serve the LORD aright; And what she has, she misapplies, For want of clearer light. How long beneath the law I lay In bondage and distress! I toiled the precept to obey, But toiled without success. Then to abstain from outward sin Was more than I could do; Now, if I feel its pow'r within, I feel I hate it too. Then all my servile works were done A righteousness to raise; Now, freely chosen in the Son, I freely choose his ways. What shall I do was then the word, That I may worthier grow? What shall I render to the LORD? Is my enquiry now. To see the Law by CHRIST fulfilled, And hear his pard'ning voice; Changes a slave into a child, And duty into choice. |