When Jesus claims the sinner's heart

Satan returning by John Newton


 * When Jesus claims the sinner's heart,
 * Where Satan ruled before;
 * The evil spirit must depart,
 * And dares return no more.


 * But when he goes without constraint,
 * And wanders from his home;
 * Although withdrawn, 'tis but a feint,
 * He means again to come.


 * Some outward change perhaps is seen
 * If Satan quit the place;
 * But though the house seem swept and clean,
 * 'Tis destitute of grace.


 * Except the Savior dwell and reign
 * Within the sinner's mind;
 * Satan, when he returns again,
 * Will easy entrance find.


 * With rage and malice sevenfold,
 * He then resumes his sway;
 * No more by checks to be controlled,
 * No more to go away.


 * The sinner's former state was bad,
 * But worse the latter far;
 * He lives possessed, and blind, and mad,
 * And dies in dark despair.


 * Lord save me from this dreadful end!
 * And from this heart of mine,
 * O drive and keep away the fiend
 * Who fears no voice but thine.