The castle of the human heart

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. The castle of the human heartStrong in its native sin;Is guarded well, in every part,By him who dwells within.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. For Satan there, in arms, resides,And calls the place his own;With care against assaults provides,And rules, as on a throne.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. Each traitor thought on him, as chief,In blind obedience waits;And pride, self–will, and unbelief,Are posted at the gates.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. Thus Satan for a season reigns,And keeps his goods in peace;The soul is pleased to wear his chains,Nor wishes a release.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. But Jesus, stronger far than he,In his appointed hourAppears, to set his people freeFrom the usurper’s pow’r.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. “This heart I bought with blood, he says,And now it shall be mine;”His voice the strong one armed dismays,He knows he must resign.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. In spite of unbelief and pride,And self, and Satan’s art;The gates of brass fly open wide,And Jesus wins the heart.

8. 8

   Stanza 8. The rebel soul that once withstoodThe Savior’s kindest call;Rejoices now, by grace subdued,To serve him with her all.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 1, Hymn 101. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/1-101