278    S.M.     John Newton
Conflict. Rom. 7. 15-24; Gal. 5. 17

1 I know the Lord is nigh,
  And would but cannot pray,
  For Satan meets me when I try,
  And frights my soul away.

2 I would, but can’t repent,
  Though I endeavour oft;
  This stony heart can ne’er relent
  Till Jesus makes it soft.

3 I would, but cannot love,
  Though wooed by love divine;
  No arguments have power to move
  A soul so base as mine.

4 I would, but cannot rest
  In God’s most holy will;
  I know what he appoints is best,
  Yet murmur at it still.

5 O could I but believe,
  Then all would easy be;
  I would, but cannot; Lord, relieve;
  My help must come from thee.

6 [By nature prone to ill,
  Till thy appointed hour,
  I was as destitute of will
  As now I am of power.]

7 [Wilt thou not crown at length
  The work thou hast begun?
  And with the will afford me strength
  In all thy ways to run?]