What precept, Jesus, is like thine,—

Forgive, as ye would be forgiven!

In this we see the power divine,

Which shall transform our earth to heaven.

O, not the harsh and scornful word

The victory over sin can gain,

Not the dark prison, or the sword,

The shackle, or the weary chain.

But from our spirits there must flow

A love that will the wrong outweigh;

Our lips must only blessings know,

And wrath and sin shall die away.

’Twas heaven that formed the holy plan

To win the wanderer back by love;

Thus let us save our brother, man,

And imitate our God above.