Righteousness

1 Why should the pilgrims here contend,
Or censure what each other thinks
When righteousness is never found
In holy days, in meats or drinks.

2 'Tis those that love the Lord the most,
And walk with meekness of the Lamb,
That serve the great Redeemer best,
And must promote his heavenly fame.

3 'Tis not a zeal for modes and forms,
That spreads the gospel truths abroad,
But he whose inward man reforms,
And loves the saints, and loves the Lord.

4 A new commandment he has given,
That christians should be join'd in love,
And those the best advance to heav'n,
That most are like the heavenly dove.

5 Then let the saint forbear to rage
About those circumstantial loves,
And ev'ry heart and soul engage
To spread the vitals of the cause.


Source: A Collection of Hymns, selected from sundry poets: together with a number of new poems, never before published #XXII