A Poem: Sermons We See

Sermons We See

by Edgar A. Guest

I'd rather see a sermon

than hear one any day,

I'd rather one would 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;

The best of all the 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,

your tongue too fast may run;

The lectures you deliver

may be very wise and true,

But I'd rather get my lessons

by observing what you do;

I may not understand

the high advice you give,

But there's no misunderstanding

how you act and how you live.