HYMN XXIX. Religion vain without Love, 1 Cor, xiii:1, 2, 3

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.

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

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—

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