All Attainments Vain without Love

Verse 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.

Verse 2

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

Verse 3

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

Verse 4

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

Verse 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.

Verse 6

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