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Forest beasts, that live by prey

Book 3, Hymn 33 · John Newton · Public-domain words

The words

  1. Stanza 1. Forest beasts, that live by prey,Seldom show themselves by day;But when day–light is withdrawn,Then they rove and roar till dawn.

  2. Stanza 2. Who can tell the traveller’s fears,When their horrid yells he hears?Terror almost stops his breath,While each step he looks for death.

  3. Stanza 3. Thus when Jesus is in view,Cheerful I my way pursue;Walking by my Savior’s light,Nothing can my soul affright.

  4. Stanza 4. But when he forbears to shine,Soon the travell’rs case is mine;Lost, benighted, struck with dread,What a painful path I tread!

  5. Stanza 5. Then, my soul with terror hearsWorse than lions, wolves, or bears,Roaring loud in every part,Through the forest of my heart.

  6. Stanza 6. Wrath, impatience, envy, pride,Satan and his host beside,Press around me to devour;How can I escape their pow’r?

  7. Stanza 7. Gracious LORD afford me light,Put these beasts of prey to flight;Let thy pow’r and love be shown,Save me, for I am thine own.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 3, Hymn 33. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/3-33

About these words

John Newton lived from 1725 to 1807. These historical words are public domain.

This hymn belongs to the complete three-book collection first published in 1779.

The CCEL transcription modernizes spelling and some punctuation. Read this hymn at the source. Checked 23 October 2026.

No sheet music or recordings are included. This web collection is separate from the PrayLock iPhone app.

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