Hymns for the Amusement of Children (1791)/Forgiveness of Injuries

And is the Gospel peace and love? Such let our conversation be; The serpent blended with the dove, Wisdom and meek simplicity.

Whene'er the angry passions rise, And tempt our thoughts and tongues to strife, To Jesus let us lift our eyes, Bright pattern of the Christian life!

O, how benevolent and kind! How mild, how ready to forgive! <10> Be this the temper of our mind, And these the rules by which we live!

Dispensing good where'er he came, His greatest foes still felt his love! O, if we love the Saviour's name, Let his divine example move!

Their malice rag'd without a cause, Yet, with his last expiring breath, He pray'd for murderers on the cross, And bless'd his enemies in death. <20>

Lord, shall thy bright example shine So long in vain before mine eyes! Give me a soul akin to thine, To bless and love mine enemies.