Religion

The Lodestone

by John Newton 1725–1807

From Olney Hymns, Book II (1779)

Religion

As needles point towards the pole,
When touched by the magnetic stone;
So faith in JESUS, gives the soul
A tendency before unknown.

Till then, by blinded passions led,
In search of fancied good we range;
The paths of disappointment tread,
To nothing fixed, but love of change.

But when the Holy Ghost imparts
A knowledge of the Savior's love;
Our wand'ring, weary, restless hearts,
Are fixed at once, no more to move.

Now a new principle takes place,
Which guides and animates the will;
This love, another name for grace,
Constrains to good, and bars from ill.

By love's sure light we soon perceive
Our noblest bliss, and proper end;
And gladly every idol leave,
To love and serve our Lord and Friend.

Thus borne along by faith and hope,
We feel the Savior's words are true;
"And I, if I be lifted up,
Will draw the sinner upward too."

MLA

Newton, John. “The Lodestone.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/newton_j/199/.

Chicago

Newton, John. “The Lodestone.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/newton_j/199/.

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