Luke 6:44: I What is the proof of perfect love

I 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:

W ords are but leaves, and not the fruit
The leaves may spread, and flourish fair,
While nature's pride is at the root.
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, conceaVd humility,
And all the fruits of siletit love.
Howe'kr the softening art of man
May subtle, learn'd distinctions make,
And sin in perfect saints explain
As nature's innocent mistake
Howe'er we may the rule bring down,
And make it our experience suit.
That tree is good, and that alone,
Which cannot bring forth evil fruit.
Shall those who evil act or speak.

Our vouchers for perfection be,
Allow'd by man Thy law to break,
And call it an infirmity?
Ah, no: the trees of righteousness,
Thy planting, O almighty Lord,
They never can Thy law transgress,
Or sin, in deed, or thought, or word.

Away then with your boastings vain,
Proofs more substantial we demand,
Ye cannot sin, if born again,
Ye can the fiery trial stand;

The proof in facts and tempers give.
Sorrow, disgrace, and pain endure,
Live without sin, like Jesus live,
And tell us thus your hearts are pure.