I could not do without Thee

I could not do without Thee

I cannot stand alone

I have no strength or goodness

No wisdom of my own.

But Thou

belovèd Saviour

Art all-in-all to me

And weakness will be power

If leaning hard on Thee!

I could not do without Thee

For oh! the way is long

And I am often weary

And sigh replaces song.

How could I do without Thee?

I do not know the way!

Thou knowest

and Thou leadest

And wilt not let me stray.

I could not do without Thee

O Jesus

Saviour dear!

E’en when my eyes are holden

I know that Thou art near.

How dreary and how lonely

This changeful life would be

Without the sweet communion

The secret rest with Thee.

I could not do without Thee!

No other friend could read

The spirit’s strange deep longing

Interpreting its need.

No human heart could enter

Each dim recess of mine

And soothe and hush and calm it

O blessèd  Lord

but Thine!