I bought another new book last week, and it arrived yesterday.  Actually I bought two that go together, so they almost count as one book.  In fact, in most situations, they would be contained in one volume.  The first is "Gadsby's Hymns", and the second is its companion, titled simply "The Companion Tune Book".  Gadsby's Hymns contains no music, just the text.  The second contains no text, simply music.  (One of the reasons there is no music associated with the hymns is that Gadsby was against the use of instruments in public worship.)

Last week, as we studied Romans, we learned one of the songs from the hymnal.  It was written by William Cowper in the late 1700's.  It is number 188 in Gadsby's Hymns, which, by the way, in addition to having no music also has no titles.

Here are the words to this great hymn.  If you'd like to hear a clip of this hymn put in a contemporary setting, click here.

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 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

There are 1156 hymns in Gadsby's Hymns.  Many are from the original, published in 1814.  The rest are from five supplements to the original.  This is definitely a great addition to your library.  Get it on-line at Grace and Truth Books.  I'm going to enjoy reading through my copy!