The Legion Dispossessed

I

Legion was my name by nature,
Satan raged within my breast,
Never misery was greater,
Never sinner more possess’d:
Mischievous to all around me,
To myself the greatest foe;
Thus I was when Jesus found me,
Fill’d with madness, sin, and woe.

II

Yet in this forlorn condition,
When he came to see me free,
I replied to my Physician,
“What have I to do with thee?”
But he would not be prevented,
Rescued me against my will:
Had he stayed till I consented
I had been a captive still.

III

“Satan, though thou fain wouldst have it,
Know this soul is none of thine;
I have shed my blood to save it,
Now I challenge it for mine;
Though it long has thee resembled,
Henceforth it shall me obey:
Thus He spoke, while Satan trembled,
Gnash’d his teeth, and fled away.

IV

Thus my frantic soul He heal’d,
Bid my sins and sorrows cease;
“Take,” said he, “my pardon sealed,
I have saved thee⁠—go in peace.”
Rather take me, Lord, to heaven,
Now thy love and grace I know;
Since thou hast my sins forgiven,
Why should I remain below?

V

“Love,” he said, “will sweeten labours;
Thou hast something yet to do;
Go and tell your friends and neighbours
What my love has done for you;
Live to manifest my glory,
Wait for heaven a little space:
Sinners, when they hear thy story,
Will repent and seek my face.”