II. Faith that worketh by Love. 8,6,8,6,8,8 Wer hält nicht Gottes Wort doch spricht [316]C. F. Gellert.1757. Who keepeth not God's word, yet saith, I know the Lord, is wrong; In him is not that blessed faith Through which the truth is strong; But he who hears and keeps the word, Is not of this world, but of God. The faith His word hath caused to shine Will kindle love in thee; More wouldst thou know of things divine, Deeper thy love must be; True faith not only gives thee light, But strength to love and do the right. Jesus hath wash'd away our sin, And we are children now; Who feels such hope as this within, To evil cannot bow; Rather with Christ all scorn endure, So we be like our Maker pure! For he doth please the Father well Who simply can obey; In him the love of God doth dwell Who steadfast keeps His way; A daily active life of love, Such fruits a living faith must prove. He is in God, and God in him, Who still abides in love; 'Tis love that makes the Cherubim Obey and praise above; For God is love, the loveless heart Hath in His life and joy no part. |