The Cyber Hymnal ‎#11907

11907. The Legion Dispossessed

1 Legion was my name, by nature
Satan raged within my breast;
Never misery was greater,
Never sinner more possessed:
Mischievous to all around me,
To myself the greatest foe;
Thus I was when Jesus found me,
Filled with madness, sin, and woe.

2 Yet in this forlorn condition
When He came to set me free;
I replied to my physician,
"What have I to do with Thee?"
But He would not be prevented,
Rescued me against my will;
Had He stayed ’till I consented,
I had been a captive still.

3 "Satan, though thou fain would’st have it,
Know this soul is none of thine;
I have shed My blood to save it,
Now I challenge it for Mine;
Though it long has thee resembled,
Henceforth it shall Me obey";
Thus He spoke, while Satan trembled,
Gnashed his teeth, and fled away.

4 Thus my frantic soul He healèd,
Bid my sins and sorrows cease;
"Take," said He, "My pardon sealèd,
I have saved thee, go in peace";
Rather take me, Lord, to Heaven,
Now Thy love and grace I know;
Since Thou hast my sins forgiven,
Why should I remain below?

5 "Love," He said, "will sweeten labors,
Thou hast something yet to do:
Go and tell your friends and neighbors,
What My love has done for you:
Live to manifest My glory,
Wait for Heav’n a little space;
Sinners, when they hear thy story,
Will repent and seek My face."

Text Information

• First Line: Legion was my name, by nature
• Title: The Legion Dispossessed
• Author: John Newton
• Meter: 87.87 D
• Language: English
• Source: Olney Hymns (London, W. Oliver, 1779), Book 1
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tunes: BRUXELLES by William L. Mason; CHARTRES, 15th century French melody

Tune Information

• Name: CALON LÂN
• Composer: John Hughes, 1872-1914
• Meter: 87.87 D
• Key: A Major
• Copyright: Public Domain