Sermons We See

Edgar Guest


"I'd rather see a sermon
     than hear one any day;
I'd rather one should walk with me
     than merely tell the way.
The eye's a better pupil
     and more willing than the ear,
Fine counsel is confusing,
     but example's always clear;
And the best of all preachers
     are the men who live their creeds,
For to see good put in action
     is what everybody needs.

I soon can learn to do it
     if you'll let me see it done;
I can watch your hands in action,
     but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lecture you deliver
     may be very wise and true,
But I'd rather get my lessons
     by observing what you do;
For I might misunderstand you
     and the high advice you give,
But there's no misunderstanding
     how you act and how you live."


from Collected Verse of Edgar Guest
NY:Buccaneer Books, 1976, pg. 599

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