We must be merciful and kind

1 We must be merciful and kind,
If we possess the Saviours mind;
In enmity we dare not live,
But freely pardon and forgive.

2 The soul with spite and wrath oppress'd
Can ne'er attain to peace and rest!
But slavish fear, and guilt and pain,
Must ever on that heart remain.

3 Dare we a right to heaven claim,
Though we profess the Christian name;
Whilst we still lack the nobler part,
The love of God to rule the heart.

4 To love our friends, and them alone,
That would be net to loving none;
To love a friend, but not a foe,
Such love hath ev'ry Heathen too.

5 But O, it is a diff'rent case
With those, who are the sons of grace!
Not eye for eye, nor tooth for tooth,
Say they, who love the word of truth.

6 What ill in other men I see,
The very same I find in me;
For when I search myself within,
I find the best I do is sin.


Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #CIV