A memorial volume of sacred poetry by the late Sir John Bowring. To which is prefixed, a memoir of the author, by Lady Bowring |
 |
Outward and Inward Virtue.
|
 | A memorial volume of sacred poetry |  |
Outward and Inward Virtue.
'Tis not the gift—but 'tis the spirit
With which 'tis given,
That on the gift confers a merit,
As seen by Heaven.
With which 'tis given,
That on the gift confers a merit,
As seen by Heaven.
'Tis not the prayer—however boldly
It strikes the ear:
It mounts in vain, it falls but coldly,
If not sincere.
It strikes the ear:
It mounts in vain, it falls but coldly,
If not sincere.
'Tis not the deeds the loudest lauded
That brightest shine:
There's many a virtue unapplauded,
And yet divine.
That brightest shine:
There's many a virtue unapplauded,
And yet divine.
129
'Tis not the word which sounds the sweetest
That's soonest heard:
A sigh, when humbled thou retreatest,
May be preferred.
That's soonest heard:
A sigh, when humbled thou retreatest,
May be preferred.
The outward show may be delusive,
A cheating name:
The inner spirit is conclusive
Of worth or shame.
A cheating name:
The inner spirit is conclusive
Of worth or shame.
| A memorial volume of sacred poetry | |