CHAPTER VI. The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley | ||
1264.
[What is the proof of perfect love?]
Every tree is known by his own fruit.
—vi. 44.
What is the proof of perfect love?
Assertions bold that “I am he
Whom God assures I cannot move,
And sin is all destroy'd in me”?
No pompous words the tokens are:
Words are but leaves, and not the fruit:
The leaves may spread, and flourish fair,
While nature's pride is at the root.
Assertions bold that “I am he
Whom God assures I cannot move,
And sin is all destroy'd in me”?
No pompous words the tokens are:
Words are but leaves, and not the fruit:
The leaves may spread, and flourish fair,
While nature's pride is at the root.
157
Great words an evil tree may bear:
Partners of real holiness
By purity of life declare,
By deeds their perfect love confess:
True goodness grows on a good tree,
Meekness which no affront can move;
Patience, conceal'd humility,
And all the fruits of silent love.
Partners of real holiness
By purity of life declare,
By deeds their perfect love confess:
True goodness grows on a good tree,
Meekness which no affront can move;
Patience, conceal'd humility,
And all the fruits of silent love.
CHAPTER VI. The poetical works of John and Charles Wesley | ||