Love Constrains to Obedience

No strength of nature can sufficeTo serve the Lord aright:And what she has she misapplies,For want of clearer light.

How long beneath the law I layIn bondage and distress;I toil'd the precept to obey,But toil'd without success.

Then, to abstain from outward sinWas more than I could do;Now, if I feel its power within,I feel I hate it too.

Then all my servile works were doneA 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 fulfill'dAnd hear His pardoning voice,Changes a slave into a child,And duty into choice.