Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 92

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92.
The Legion dispossessed.—Mark, v, 18, 19.

1 Legion was my name by nature,
Satan raged within my breast,
Never misery was greater,
Never sinner more possess'd:
Mischievous to all around me,
To myself the greatest foe;
Thus I was when Jesus found me,
Fill'd with madness, sin, and woe.

3 Yet in this forlorn condition,
When he came to see me free,
I replied to my Physician,
"What have I to do with thee?"
But he would not be prevented,
Rescued me against my will:
Had he staid till I consented
I had been a captive still.

3 "Satan, though thou fain wouldst have it,
Know this soul is none of thine;
I have shed my blood to save it,
Now I challenge it for mine;[1]
 ​Though it long has thee resembled,
Henceforth it shall me obey:
Thus He spoke, while Satan trembled,
Gnash'd his teeth, and fled away.

4 Thus my frantic soul He heal'd,
Bid my sins and sorrows cease;
"Take," said he, "my pardon sealed,
I have saved thee,—go in peace."
Rather take me, Lord, to heaven,
Now thy love and grace I know;
Since thou hast my sins forgiven,
Why should I remain below?

5 "Love," he said, "will sweeten labours;
Thou hast something yet to do;
Go and tell your friends and neighbours
What my love has done for you;
Live to manifest my glory,
Wait for heaven a little space:
Sinners, when they hear thy story,
Will repent and seek my face."

  1. ↑ Book iii, Hymn 54.
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