Scripture Verse

Come with me, and see my zeal for the Lord. 2 Kings 10:16

Introduction

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John Newton
1725–1807

Words: John New­ton, Ol­ney Hymns (Lon­don: W. Ol­iv­er, 1779), Book 3, num­ber 70. True and false zeal.

Music: St. Ag­nes John B. Dykes, in Hym­nal for Use in the Eng­lish Church, by John Grey, 1866 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
John B. Dykes
1823–1876

Lyrics

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.

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

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

Zeal has attained its highest aim,
Its end is satisfied;
If sinners love the Sav­ior’s name,
Nor seek it aught beside.

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

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

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.