Without me ye can do nothing

1. United to Jesus, the Vine,
We’ve life, strength, and righteousness too,
But this he will teach us in time,
Without him we nothing can do.
Our hope of performing what’s right,
And strictly obeying our God,
If not wholly built on his might,
Will leave us exposed to his rod.

2. Unless he uphold by his grace,
We sink under Satan and sin,
And plunge into shame and disgrace,
Nor can we deliverance obtain;
We neither can hope nor believe,
Nor pray in a time of distress,
But as we from Jesus receive
The fruits of his own righteousness.

W. GADSBY

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  John 15:5

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A RECOMMENDED PRAYER BEFORE THE READING OR STUDY OF GOD’S HOLY WORD

O Lord, Thy Word is before me, give me a reverent and teachable mind as I read it. Open to me its sacred truths and help me to receive it not as the word of men but as the Word of God which liveth and abideth for ever.

Be Thou, O Holy Spirit my teacher. Enlighten my mind and prepare my heart. Shine O Lord upon the sacred page and make it clear to me.

What I see not – show me, what I know not teach me and where I am wrong correct me.

Bring home O Lord some portion to my soul just now and make me wiser unto Thy salvation – through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Ashton Oxenden

(1808-1892)