Author: John Newton Meter: 8.6.8.6 Appears in 91 hymnals Lyrics: 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 True zeal is merciful and mild,
Can pity and forbear;
The false is headstrong, fierce and wild,
And breathes revenge and war.
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 Zeal has attained its highest aim,
Its end is satisfied;
If sinners love the Savior’s name,
Nor seek it aught beside.
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 Self may its poor reward obtain,
And be applauded here;
But zeal the best applause will gain,
When Jesus shall appear.
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. Used With Tune: ST. AGNES Text Sources: Olney Hymns (London, W. Oliver, 1779), Book 3
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