Legion was my name by nature, <br />Satan raged within my breast; <br />Never misery was greater, <br />Never sinner more possessed: <br />Mischievous to all around me, <br />To myself the greatest foe; <br />Thus I was, when Jesus found me, <br />Filled with madness, sin and woe. <br /> <br />Yet in this forlorn condition, <br />When he came to see me free; <br />I replied, to my Physician, <br />What have I to do with thee? <br />But he would not be prevented, <br />Rescued me against my will; <br />Had he stayed till I consented, <br />I had been a captive still. <br /> <br />Satan, though thou fain wouldst have it, <br />Know this soul is none of thine; <br />I have shed my blood to save it, <br />Now I challenge it for mine, <br />Though it long has thee resembled, <br />Henceforth it shall me obey; <br />Thus he spoke while Satan trembled, <br />Gnashed his teeth and fled away. <br /> <br />Thus my frantic soul he healed, <br />Bid my sins and sorrows cease; <br />Take, said he, my pardon sealed, <br />I have saved thee, go in peace: <br />Rather take me, Lord, to heaven, <br />Now thy love and grace I know; <br />Since thou hast my sins forgiven, <br />Why should I remain below? <br /> <br />Love, he said, will sweeten labors, <br />Thou hast something yet to do; <br />Go and tell your friends and neighbors, <br />What my love has done for you: <br />Live to manifest my glory, <br />Wait for heav'n a little space; <br />Sinners, when they hear thy story, <br />Will repent and seek my face.<br /><br />John Newton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-legion-dispossessed/
