A Lion, though by nature wild

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. A Lion, though by nature wild,The art of man can tame;He stands before his keeper, mild,And gentle as a lamb.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. He watches, with submissive eye,The hand that gives him food;As if he meant to testifyA sense of gratitude.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. But man himself, who thus subduesThe fiercest beasts of prey;A nature, more unfeeling shows,And far more fierce than they.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. Though by the LORD preserved and fed,He proves rebellious still;And while he eats his Maker’s bread,Resists his holy will.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. Alike in vain, of grace that saves,Or threat’ning law he hears;The savage scorns, blasphemes, and raves,But neither loves nor fears.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. O Savior! how thy wondrous pow’rBy angels is proclaimed!When in thine own appointed hour,They see this lion tamed.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. The love thy bleeding cross displays,The hardest heart subdues;Here furious lions while they gaze,Their rage and fierceness lose.

8. 8

   Stanza 8. Yet are we but renewed in part,The lion still remains;LORD, drive him wholly from my heart,Or keep him fast in chains.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 2, Hymn 93. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/2-93