Could I with tongues of angels speak

Verse 1

Could I, with tongues of Angels speak With all the eloquence of men! And not the love of God partake, All my profession would be vain.

Verse 2

I should be like the sounding Brass, Or like the tinkling of a Bell; And should I for an Angel pass, It would not save my soul from Hell.

Verse 3

Had I the gifts of prophecy, And all the mysteries reveal'd, Yet in my sins I be to die, Unless my heart with love is fill'd.

Verse 4

Had I such faith as could remove The greatest mountains from their place; Yet all in vain, till christian love Is wrought in me, by saving grace.

Verse 5

If all my goods the poor to feed, With my concent was freely giv'n; But without charity indeed, I never should be fit for heav'n.

Verse 6

My body given for to burn, To make attonements for my sin-- I should be like a varnish'd urn, That which hath nought but filth within.

Verse 7

O, may that precious gift of God! True charity, that grace divine-- In all my heart be shed abroad, And seal me Lord for ever thine.