Religion Vain Without Love

Had I the tongues of Greeks and Jews

Author: Isaac Watts
Published in 225 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, Noteworthy Composer
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 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.

2 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 nothing without love.

3 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,--

4 If love to God, and love to men
Be absent, all my hopes are vain;
Nor tongues, nor gifts, nor fiery zeal
The work of love can e'er fulfil.


Source: The Book of Worship #226

Author: Isaac Watts

Isaac Watts was the son of a schoolmaster, and was born in Southampton, July 17, 1674. He is said to have shown remarkable precocity in childhood, beginning the study of Latin, in his fourth year, and writing respectable verses at the age of seven. At the age of sixteen, he went to London to study in the Academy of the Rev. Thomas Rowe, an Independent minister. In 1698, he became assistant minister of the Independent Church, Berry St., London. In 1702, he became pastor. In 1712, he accepted an invitation to visit Sir Thomas Abney, at his residence of Abney Park, and at Sir Thomas' pressing request, made it his home for the remainder of his life. It was a residence most favourable for his health, and for the prosecution of his literary… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Had I the tongues of Greeks and Jews
Title: Religion Vain Without Love
Author: Isaac Watts
Meter: 8.8.8.8
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Media

The Cyber Hymnal #11318
  • PDF (PDF)
  • Noteworthy Composer Score (NWC)

Instances

Instances (201 - 225 of 225)
Page Scan

The Psalmist #703

Page Scan

The Psalmist #703

Page Scan

The Psalmody #739

TextPage Scan

The Psalms and Hymns of Dr. Watts #319

TextPage Scan

The Psalms of David #I.CXXXIV

Page Scan

The Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Rev. Isaac Watts, D. D. #A134

Page Scan

The Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs of the Rev. Isaac Watts, D. D. #124

Page Scan

The Reformed Methodist Pocket Hymnal #II.113

Page Scan

The Sabbath Hymn and Tune Book #248d

The Sabbath Hymn Book. Baptist ed. #d330

The Saints' Harp #d324

The Service of Song for Baptist Churches #d283

The Service of Song for Baptist Churches #d172

The South Western Psalmist #d121

The Southern Psalmist #d270

The Southern Psalmist. New ed. #d280

Page Scan

The Springfield Collection of Hymns for Sacred Worship #248

The Thanksgiving #d75

The Universalist Hymn Book #d173

Page Scan

The Universalist Hymn-Book #354

Two Hundred and Fifty-two Familiar Hymns #d60

Universalist Hymn Book #d172

Worship in the School Room #d51

Page Scan

Worship in the School Room #327

Pages

Exclude 224 pre-1979 instances
Suggestions or corrections? Contact us