Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship ‎#211b

211b. Legion was my name by nature

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. “Satan, though you fain would have it,
Know this soul bears not your sign;
I have shed my blood to save it;
Now I challenge it for mine.
Though it long has you resembled,
Henceforth it shall me obey,”
Thus he spoke while Satan trembled,
Gnashed his teeth, and fled away.

3. Thus my frantic soul he’s healing,
Bid my sins and sorrows cease;
“Take,” said he, “my pardon sealing;
I have saved you, go in peace.”
Rather take me, Lord, to Heaven;
Now your love and grace I know;
Since you have my sins forgiven,
Why should I remain below?

4. “Love,” he said, “will sweeten labors;
You have 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 your story,
Will repent and seek my face.”

Text Information

• First Line: Legion was my name by nature
• Author: John Newton (1779)
• Meter: 8.7.8.7 D
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2024
• Scripture:
  Luke 8:35
• Topic: Ordinary Time: Week 7
• Notes: Text by Anglican minister John Newton, from Olney Hymns (1779), alt.

Tune Information

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