Zeal is that pure and heav’nly flame

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. 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.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. True zeal is merciful and mild,Can pity and forbear;The false is headstrong, fierce and wild,And breathes revenge and war.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. While zeal for truth the christian warms,He knows the worth of peace;But self contends for names and forms,Its party to increase.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. Zeal has attained its highest aim,Its end is satisfied;If sinners love the Savior’s name,Nor seeks it ought betide.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. But self, however well employed,Has its own ends in view;And says, as boasting Jehu cried,“Come, see what I can do.”

6. 6

   Stanza 6. Self may its poor reward obtain,And be applauded here;But zeal the best applause will gain,When JESUS shall appear.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. 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.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 3, Hymn 70. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/3-70