The poem
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 toll'd the precept to obey, But toil'd without success.
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.
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 inquiry now.
To see the law by Christ fulfilled And hear His pardoning voice, Changes a slave into a child, And duty into choice.