’Tis not the gift, but ’tis the spirit
With which ’tis given,
That on the gift confers a merit,
As seen by Heaven.
’Tis not the prayer, however boldly
It strikes the ear;
It mounts in vain, it falls but coldly
If not sincere.
’Tis not the deeds the loudest lauded
That brightest shine;
There’s many a virtue unapplauded,
And yet divine.
’Tis not the word that sounds the sweetest
That’s soonest heard;
A sigh, when humbled thou retreatest,
May be preferred.
The outward show may be delusive,—
A cheating name;
The inner spirit is conclusive
Of worth or shame.
Source: A Book of Hymns for Public and Private Devotion (15th ed.) #289
James Bowring was born at Exeter, in 1792. He possessed at an early age a remarkable power of attaining languages, and acquired some reputation by his metrical translations of foreign poems. He became editor of "The Westminster Review" in 1825, and was elected to Parliament in 1835. In 1849, he was appointed Consul at Canton, and in 1854, was made Governor of Hong Kong, and received the honour of knighthood. He is the author of some important works on politics and travel, and is the recipient of several testimonials from foreign governments and societies. His poems and hymns have also added to his reputation. His "Matins and Vespers" have passed through many editions. In religion he is a Unitarian.
--Annotations of the Hymnal, Charl… Go to person page >
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