The Cyber Hymnal ‎#13421

13421. The Castle Of The Human Heart

1 The castle of the human heart
Strong in its native sin,
Is guarded well, in every part,
By him who dwells within.

2 For Satan there, in arms, resides,
And calls the place his own;
With care against assaults provides,
And rules, as on a throne.

3 Each traitor thought on him, as chief,
In blind obedience waits;
And pride, self-will, and unbelief,
Are posted at the gates.

4 Thus Satan for a season reigns,
And keeps his goods in peace;
The soul is pleased to wear his chains,
Nor wishes a release.

5 But Jesus, stronger far than he,
In His appointed hour
Appears, to set His people free
From the usurper’s power.

6 "This heart I bought with blood," He says,
"And now it shall be Mine."
His voice the strong one armed dismays,
He knows he must resign.

7 In spite of unbelief and pride,
And self, and Satan’s art;
The gates of brass fly open wide,
And Jesus wins the heart.

8 The rebel soul that once withstood
The Savior’s kindest call;
Rejoices now, by grace subdued,
To serve Him with her all.

Text Information

• First Line: The castle of the human heart
• Title: The Castle Of The Human Heart
• Author: John Newton
• Meter: CM
• Language: English
• Source: Olney Hymns (London, W. Oliver, 1779), Book 1
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tunes: BURFORD from "Book of Psalmody" (1718) CAITHNESS from "Scottish Psalter" (1635), CAMPMEETING (American)

Tune Information

• Name: CLAUDIUS
• Composer: Arthur Henry Mann (1905)
• Key: e minor or modal
• Source: The Methodist Hymnal New York: Methodist Book Concern, 1905)