A Book of Hymns for Public and Private Devotion (15th ed.) 285. Speak gently,—it is better far

Text:	Speak Gently
Author:	Anonymous

285. Speak Gently

Speak gently,—it is better far
To rule by love than fear;
Speak gently,—let no harsh word mar
The good we may do here.

Speak gently to the young,—for they
Will have enough to bear;
Pass through this life as best they may,
’Tis full of anxious care.

Speak gently to the aged one,
Grieve not the careworn heart;
The sands of life are nearly run,
Let them in peace depart.

Speak gently to the erring ones;
They must have toiled in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so;
O, win them back again!

Speak gently,—’tis a little thing,
Dropped in the heart’s deep well;
The good, the joy, that it may bring,
Eternity shall tell.

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