John Newton & William Cowper · 235 of 356
93. A Lion, though by nature wild
Hymn 93
A Lion, though by nature wild, The art of man can tame; He stands before his keeper, mild, And gentle as a lamb.
He watches, with submissive eye, The hand that gives him food; As if he meant to testify A sense of gratitude.
But man himself, who thus subdues The fiercest beasts of prey; A nature, more unfeeling shows, And far more fierce than they.
Though by the LORD preserved and fed, He proves rebellious still; And while he eats his Maker’s bread, Resists his holy will.
Alike in vain, of that saves, Or threat’ning law he hears; The savage scorns, blasphemes, and raves, But neither loves nor fears.
O Savior! how thy wondrous pow’r By angels is proclaimed! When in thine own appointed hour, They see this lion tamed.
The love thy bleeding cross displays, The hardest heart subdues; Here furious lions while they gaze, Their rage and fierceness lose.
Yet are we but renewed in part, The lion still remains; LORD, drive him wholly from my heart, Or keep him fast in chains.