1 The law commands and makes us know
What duties to our God we owe,
But 'tis the gospel must reveal
Where lies our strength to do his will.

2 The law uncovers guilt and sin
And shows how vile our hearts have been;
The gospel only can express
Forgiving love and cleansing grace.

3 What curses does the law pronounce
Against the one who fails but once!
But in the gospel Christ appears,
Pard'ning the guilt of num'rous years.

4 My soul, no more attempt to draw
Your life and comfort from the law.
Flee to the hope the gospel gives;
The one who trusts the promise lives.