Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs ‎#CCLXXII

CCLXXII. All Attainments vain without Love

1 Should bounteous nature kindly pour
Her richest gifts on me,
Still, O my God, I should be poor,
If void of love to thee.

2 Not shining wit, nor manly sense,
could make me truly good:
Nor zeal itself could recompense
The want of love to God.

3 Did I possess the gift of tongues,
But were deni'd thy grace,
My loudest words, my loftiest songs,
Would be but sounding brass.

4 Tho' thou should'st give me heav'nly skill,
Each myst'ry to explain,
If I'd no heart to do thy will,
My knowledge would be vain.

5 Had I so strong a faith, my God,
As mountains to remove,
No faith could do me real good,
That did not work by love.

6 What tho', to gratify my pride,
And make my heav'n secure,
All my possessions I divide,
Among the hungry poor!

7 What tho' my body I consign,
To the devouring flame,
In hope the glorious deed will shine
In roils of endless fame!

8 These splendid acts of vanity,
Tho' all the world applaud,
If destitute of charity,
Can never please my God.

9 O grant me then this one request,
And I'll be satisfied,
That love divine may rule my breast,
And all my actions guide.

Text Information

• First Line: Should bounteous nature kindly pour
• Title: All Attainments vain without Love
• Author: S. Stennett
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1792
• Scripture:
  Matthew 5:44-45
  ;
  2 Corinthians 9:12
  ;
  Colossians 3:14
• Topic: The Eternal and Unchangeable Love of God, commemorated in Hymns of Thanksgiving

Tune Information

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