John Newton & William Cowper · 317 of 356
70. Zeal is that pure and heav’nly flame
Hymn 70
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 attained its highest aim, Its end is satisfied; If sinners love the Savior’s name, Nor seeks it ought betide.
But self, however well employed, Has its own ends in view; And says, as boasting Jehu cried, “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.