1 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.

2 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.

3 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.

4 '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.