Could I my way preserve,

Could I my way preserve, Yet see Thy will unharmed? Could I direct and choose, Without alt'ring Thy path?

Thou hast had the "quick" and "slow", All directions Thou lay hold; And submitting to Thy way, Humbly walking in Thy will.

Lest there be other loves Beside my precious Lord; I dare not muse in spring, Nor care for hundred flow'rs.

Thou hast had the "quick" and "slow", All directions Thou lay hold; And submitting to Thy way, Humbly walking in Thy will.

I've asked the snow to freeze; My lurking starry spark; Come tempest, stormy rain— My other longing drown.

Thou hast had the "quick" and "slow", All directions Thou lay hold; And submitting to Thy way, Humbly walking in Thy will.

Come, try and purge me now, And strip and smelt me, Lord; Even I would be pressed, Or be locked up and bound.

Thou hast had the "quick" and "slow", All directions Thou lay hold; And submitting to Thy way, Humbly walking in Thy will.

If there a longing be, Come Thou and "rob" my hopes; If I would yonder fly, Come Thou and rid my wings.

Thou hast had the "quick" and "slow", All directions Thou lay hold; And submitting to Thy way, Humbly walking in Thy will.

Give me boldness to face, The way Thou hast for me; Bring all my loves to naught, And bless with things I hate.

Thou hast had the "quick" and "slow", All directions Thou lay hold; And submitting to Thy way, Humbly walking in Thy will.

Oh, spare me not, my Lord, Nor stand Thou calmly still; All self-made choices void, Only Thy will to take.

Thou hast had the "quick" and "slow", All directions Thou lay hold; And submitting to Thy way, Humbly walking in Thy will.