O love your neighbour, though their wealth abound
And mock the humble bounds where you are found;
Let envy not consume your quiet breast,
Nor covet what in providence is blessed.
Rest content within your modest place,
And grudge them not their luxury or grace—
For greed that eyes another’s store with spite
Doth dim the light where charity burns bright.

Or if abundance crowns your days with store,
While near you languish those in want once more—
Regard them not as lesser souls below;
One blood the Lord hath given all to know.
The garment gleams with finer weave than theirs,
Yet every heart beneath His mercy shares.
Embrace them kindred, though in tatters dressed;
Love them as Christ hath loved the lowliest.

Yea, though your mercy meet ingratitude,
And scorn repay the good you have pursued—
Endure, press on, nor falter in the strife;
Love’s truest test is in the hardest life.
Heap coals of fire on hearts that turn away;
Seek not their favor, but your Master’s day.
If humankind reject your offered hand,
Heaven’s welcome waits—your labour shall not stand
Unseen or unaccepted in His sight.

Thus follow where the Saviour trod before,
Who loved the thankless, suffered, and yet more:
Through every trial, through scorn or calm serene,
Love your neighbour—let love forever reign.
In selfless giving, pure and undefiled,
You walk beside the meek and holy Child,
And find, within the offering of your soul,
The boundless wealth that makes the spirit whole.