Speak Not Harshly

Top Media Text Author Text Info Tune Page Scans Instances

Speak not harshly when reproving

Author: Fanny Crosby
Tune: LYDIA (Stebbins)
Published in 2 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, Noteworthy Composer
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

1 Speak not harshly when reproving
Those from duty’s path who stray;
If we would reclaim the erring
Kindness must each action sway.

2 Speak not harshly to the wayward—
Win their confidence—their love;
They will feel how pure the motive
That hath led us to reprove.

3 Speak not harshly to the stranger,
Thou he come in humble guise;
Think how slight a thing would kindle
Gladness in a stranger’s eyes.

4 Speak not harshly to the felon,
Though like adamant his heart;
Touch one chord of fond affection,
And the scalding tear may start.

5 Speak not harshly to the orphan,
They have borne of grief their share;
Add not to their heavy burden,
Add not to corroding care.

6 Speak not harshly, was the precept
Which to man the Savior taught—
May that precept ever guide us—
Gentle words will cost us naught.

Source: The Cyber Hymnal #12760

All representative texts • Compare texts ^ top

Author: Fanny Crosby

Pseudonymns: A.V., Mrs. A. E. Andrews, Mrs. E. A. Andrews, Mrs. E. L. Andrews, James L. Black, Henrietta E. Blair, Charles Bruce, Robert Bruce, Leah Carlton, Eleanor Craddock, Lyman G. Cuyler, D.H.W., Ella Dare, Ellen Dare, Mrs. Ellen Douglass, Lizzie Edwards. Miss Grace Elliot, Grace J. Frances, Victoria Frances, Jennie Garnett, Frank Gould, H. D. K., Frances Hope, Annie L. James, Martha J. Lankton [Langton], Grace Lindsey, Maud Marion, Sallie Martin, Wilson Meade, Alice Monteith, Martha C. Oliver, Mrs. N. D. Plume, Kate Smiley, Sallie Smith, J. L. Sterling, John Sterling, Julia Sterling, Anna C. Storey, Victoria Stuart, Ida Scott Taylor, Mary R. Tilden, Mrs. J. B. Thresher, Hope Tryaway, Grace Tureman, Carrie M. Wilson, W.H.D. Frances… Go to person page >

^ top