Scripture Verse

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1–3

Introduction

Words: Hal H. Hop­son, 1972.

Music: Tra­di­tion­al Eng­lish tune. Ar­ranged by Hal Hop­son, 1972 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Hal H. Hopson (1933–)

Lyrics

Though I may speak with brav­est fire,
And have the gift to all in­spire,
And have not love, my words are vain,
As sound­ing brass, and hope­less gain.

Though I may give all I pos­sess,
And striv­ing so my love pro­fess,
But not be giv­en by love with­in,
The pro­fit soon turns strange­ly thin.

Come, Spi­rit, come, our hearts con­trol,
Our spi­rits long to be made whole.
Let in­ward love guide ev­ery deed;
By this we wor­ship, and are freed.