Nay, I Cannot Let Thee Go

by John Newton

My name is JACOB by John Newton

Nay, I cannot let Thee go

Till a blessing Thou bestow:

Do not turn away Thy face,

Mine’s an urgent, pressing case.

Dost Thou ask me who I am?

Ah! my Lord, Thou know’st my name;

Yet the question gives a plea

To support my suit with Thee.

Thou didst once a wretch behold,

In rebellion blindly bold,

Scorn Thy grace, Thy power defy:

That poor rebel, Lord, was I.

Once a sinner, near despair,

Sought Thy mercy seat by prayer;

Mercy heard, and set him free:

Lord, that mercy came to me.

Many days have passed since then,

Many changes I have seen;

Yet have been upheld till now;

Who could hold me up but Thou?

Thou hast helped in every need;

This emboldens me to plead:

After so much mercy past,

Canst Thou let me sink at last?

No, I must maintain my hold;

’Tis Thy goodness makes me bold;

I can no denial take,

When I plead for Jesus’ sake.