She (Love) seeketh not her own, is not easily, provoked and never faileth. 1 Corinthians 13:5-8.
It being my heart’s desire, O my dear heavenly Father, once to love thee and my neighbour, uprightly and ardently. I beg that thou wouldst let me know and enjoy thy love in Christ, which is the only means to come to the same. How can I possibly be cold and hard, when resting at the cross of Christ! In thy bosom, I enjoy thy free grace, and truly experience thine infinite love towards me, the most miserable and chiefest of sinners.
O! May this melt down and change me thoroughly.
Had I the tongues of Greeks and Jews,
And nobler speech than angels use.
If love be absent, I am found,
Like tinkling brass, an empty sound.
"Were I inspired to preach, and tell
All that is done in heaven, and hell.
Or could my faith the world remove,
Still I am wanting, without love.
Should I distribute all my store
To feed the bowels of the poor,
Or give my body to the flame
To gain a martyr’s glorious name.
If love to God, and love to men
Be absent, all my hopes are vain;
Nor tongue, nor gifts, nor fiery zeal:
The work of love can ever fulfil