Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 26

26.
Dagon before the Ark.—1 Sam. v, 4, 5.

1 When first, to make my heart his own, The Lord reveal'd his mighty grace, Self reign'd, like Dagon, on the throne, But could not long maintain its place.
2 It fell, and own'd the power divine, (Grace can with ease the victory gain,) But soon this wretched heart of mine Contrived to set it up again.
3 Again the Lord his name proclaim'd, And brought the hateful idol low; Then self, like Dagon, broken, maim'd, Seem'd to receive a mortal blow:
4 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.
5 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.