Hymns, Selected and Original ‎#436

436. Had I the tongues of Greeks and Jews

1 Had I the tongues of Greeks and Jews,
And nobler speech than angels use;
If love be absent, I am found,
Like tinkling brass, an empty sound.

2 Were I inspir'd to preach and tell
All that is done in heav'n and hell,
Or could my faith the world remove,
Still I am nothing without love.

3 Should I distribute all my store,
To feed the bowels of the poor;
Or give my body to the flame,
To gain a martyr's glorious name:

4 If love to God, and love to men
Be absent, all my hopes are vain;
Nor tongues, nor gifts, nor fiery zeal
The work of love can e'er fulfil.

Text Information

• First Line: Had I the tongues of Greeks and Jews
• Meter: L. M.
• Publication Date: 1828
• Topic: Christian experience: Sanctification and christian graces; Love the chief of graces

Tune Information

(No tune information)