The Hartford Selection of Hymns ‎#CCXXXVII

CCXXXVII. True and false zeal

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 attain'd its highest aim,
Its end is satisfy'd;
If sinners love the Saviour's name,
Nor seeks it ought beside.

5 But self however well employ'd,
Has its own ends in view;
And says as boasting Jehu cry'd,
"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.

Text Information

• First Line: Zeal is that pure and heav'nly flame
• Title: True and false zeal
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1799
• Topic: Zeal, true and false

Tune Information

(No tune information)