University of Virginia Library

HYMN 116. (L. M.) Love to God and our Neighbour, Matt. xxii. 37–40.

I

Thus saith the first, the great command,
‘Let all thy inward powers unite
‘To love thy Maker and thy God,
‘With utmost vigour and delight.

II

‘Then shall thy neighbour next in place
‘Share thine affections and esteem,
‘And let thy kindness to thyself
‘Measure and rule thy love to him.’

III

This is the sense that Moses spoke,
This did the prophets preach and prove,
For want of this the law is broke,
And the whole law's fulfill'd by love.

IV

But Oh! how base our passions are!
How cold our charity and zeal!
Lord, fill our souls with heavenly fire,
Or we shall ne'er perform thy will.