480
L. M.
The more excellent way.
1 Cor. 12:31.
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 inspired 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.
3 Should I distribute all my store
To feed the hungry, clothe 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 fulfill.
Watts.