Devotional Verses Founded on and Illustrative of select Texts of Scripture [by Bernard Barton] |
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TO EACH HIS DUE. |
 | Devotional Verses |  |
TO EACH HIS DUE.
“Render therefore unto Cæsar the things which be Cæsar's,
and unto God the things which be God's.”
—Luke, xx. 25.
Hast thou unto superiors paid
The honour justly due?
To those in thy own sphere display'd
Love cordial, prompt, and true?
The honour justly due?
To those in thy own sphere display'd
Love cordial, prompt, and true?
183
Hast thou to thy inferiors shown
The kindness they should claim,
Forborne all haughtiness of tone,
And each opprobrious name?
The kindness they should claim,
Forborne all haughtiness of tone,
And each opprobrious name?
All this is well; but these alone
Can ne'er avail thee aught,
If to thy Maker's heavenly throne
No homage thou hast brought.
Can ne'er avail thee aught,
If to thy Maker's heavenly throne
No homage thou hast brought.
Or hast thou, in profession, been
A rigid devotee;
In public worship often seen
To bend the willing knee?
A rigid devotee;
In public worship often seen
To bend the willing knee?
Faultless in every outward rite
Which marks discipleship,
And daily ready to recite
The homage of the lip?
Which marks discipleship,
And daily ready to recite
The homage of the lip?
Yet these combin'd, when most sincere,
Imperfectly fulfil
The holy law recorded here,
If love be wanting still.
Imperfectly fulfil
The holy law recorded here,
If love be wanting still.
The love of God must be the root
Of worship, praise, and prayer;
And love of man must be the fruit
Thy daily life should bear.
Of worship, praise, and prayer;
And love of man must be the fruit
Thy daily life should bear.
184
This tribute paid to each—will draw
A blessing from above;
And both combin'd fulfil the law
Of pure and perfect love.
A blessing from above;
And both combin'd fulfil the law
Of pure and perfect love.
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