Religion
Matthew 12:7: How few that saying understand
From Short Hymns on Select Passages of the Holy Scriptures (1762) · Osborn ed., vol. 10 (1871)
How few that saying understand
Or practically know,
Mercy is the supreme command.
We first should mercy show:
The smiles of God we cannot gain
By outward sacrifice;
But genuine charity to man
He never will despise.
Our alms and works of righteousness.
Our abstinence and prayer.
Our sacraments can never please,
If mercy is not there:
But when His mercy we partake,
He must our spirit approve.
Who all mankind for Jesus' sake
In Jesus' bowels love.
Cite this poem
MLA
Wesley, Charles. “Matthew 12:7: How few that saying understand.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/wesley_c/4183/.
Chicago
Wesley, Charles. “Matthew 12:7: How few that saying understand.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/wesley_c/4183/.
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