When first to make my heart his own

DAGON before the ark by John Newton


 * When first to make my heart his own,
 * The Lord revealed his mighty grace;
 * Self reigned, like Dagon, on the throne,
 * But could not long maintain its place.


 * It fell, and owned the pow'r divine,
 * (Grace can with ease the vict'ry gain)
 * But soon this wretched heart of mine,
 * Contrived to set it up again.


 * Again the LORD his name proclaimed,
 * And brought the hateful idol low;
 * Then self, like Dagon, broken, maimed,
 * Seemed to receive a mortal blow.


 * Yet self is not of life bereft,
 * Nor ceases to oppose his will;
 * Though but a maimed stump be left,
 * 'Tis Dagon, 'tis an idol still.


 * Lord! must I always guilty prove,
 * And idols in my heart have room?
 * Oh! let the, fire of heavenly love,
 * The very stump of self consume.