Today’s hymn comes from John Newton, one of the best hymn writers in history. I love how he paints such clear images with his poems; I’m sure you’ll enjoy this one!
Zeal is that pure and heav’nly flame,
The fire of love supplies;
While that which often bears the name,
Is self in a disguise.
True zeal is merciful and mild,
Can pity and forbear;
The false is headstrong, fierce and wild,
And breathes revenge and war.
While zeal for truth the Christian warms,
He knows the worth of peace;
But self contends for names and forms,
Its party to increase.
Zeal has attain’d its highest aim,
Its end is satisfy’d;
If sinners love the Saviour’s name,
Nor seeks it ought beside.
But self however well employ’d,
Has its own ends in view;
And says as boasting Jehu cry’d,
“Come see what I can do.”
Self may its poor reward obtain,
And be applauded here;
But zeal the best applause will gain,
When Jesus shall appear.
Dear Lord, the idol self dethrone,
And from our hearts remove;
And let no zeal by us be shown,
But that which springs from love.
Hymn of the Day 