1 Had we the tongues of Greeks or Jews,
And nobler speech that Angels use,
If love be wanting, we am found
Like tinkling brass, an empty sound.
2 Were we inspir'd to preach and tell
All that is done in heaven and hell,
Or could our faith the world remove,
Still we are nothing, without love.
3 Should we distribute all our store
To cheer the bowels of the poor,
Or give our bodies to the flame,
To gain a martyr's glorious name:
4 If love to God and love to man
Be absent, all our hopes are vain;
Nor tongues, nor gifts, nor fiery zeal,
The work of love can e'er fulfil.
Text Information | |
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First Line: | Had we the tongues of Greeks or Jews |
Language: | English |
Publication Date: | 1789 |
Topic: | Faith, Holiness and moral Virtues: Religion vain, without Love |