Christian Love

Let men of high conceit and zeal, Their fervors and their faith proclaim; If Charity be wanting still, The rest is but a sounding name.

Patient and meek, she suffers long, And slowly her resentments rise; Soon she forgets the greatest wrong, And soon forgives her enemies.

She drives all malice from her breast, To ill suspicions ne'er gives way; <10> But ever hopes and thinks the best, And as she thinks, is apt to say.

She envies none their better state, But makes her neighbours bliss her own; Nor vaunts herself with mind elate, But still a modest air puts on.

Her neighbour's infamy and ill, To her no entertainment give; She's pleas'd to see him prosper still, And still in good repute to live. <20>

This is the Grace that reigns on high, And brightly will for ever burn: When Hope shall in enjoyment die, And Faith to intuition turn.