Help My Unbelief by John Newton

Help My Unbelief

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

I would but cannot sing,
guilt has untuned my voice
My sin, just like the serpent’s sting
Has poisoned all my joys
Has poisoned all my joys

Chorus

Help my unbelief
My help must come from Thee
I would but cannot love,
though wooed by love divine
No arguments have power to move
A soul as base as mine
A soul as base as mine

I would but cannot rest
in God’s most holy will
I know what He appoints is best
And murmur at it still
I murmur at it still

Chorus

I would but can’t repent,
though I endeavor oft
This stony heart can ne’er relent
Til Jesus makes it soft
Til Jesus makes it soft

Wilt Thou not crown at length
the work Thou hast begun?
And with a will, afford me strength
In all Thy ways to run
In all Thy ways to run.

My friend, Aaron, at I Am Chief brought this to my attention. It’s one of many hymns, besides Amazing Grace, written by the old African blasphemer and it suits me fine. I see myself in this mirror. This is what it sounds like 200 years later.