CHOOSE THE BEST by Mrs. S. R. Furry

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 25, 1874

CHOOSE THE BEST.

By Mrs. S. R. Furry

How many kinds of words there are, Sad, boisterous, bitter, vain— Wrathful and spiteful, warlike words, Hot, hasty, and profane. But kind words are the best of all, Then let this be our plan; In all things where we have the choice, To choose the best we can.

Speak kindly to your erring child— Assure him that your love Will follow him while life shall last, Where'er his footsteps rove. Kind words, spoke now, in future years Will melt his wayward heart; But wrathful words would rankle there A deadly, poisoned dart.

Speak kindly unto all you meet, For anguish, grief, and care, And sorrow, all unknown to you, Each human heart must bear. Never, by harsh or thoughtless words Another's prospects blight, For kindness cheers the hearts of all, Making their pathway bright.

Speak ill of none, for good, kind words Leave not a sting behind; Repeating every idle tale Is not for noble minds. 'Tis well to sow a better seed, And choose a kinder plan; If 'tis but little good you know, Speak all the good you can.

Don't search around for others' faults, And their good traits efface; 'Tis sad to human pride to prove That man is only base. Far better seek a higher plane, And try the better plan. The choice is yours, seek for the good, And find the best you can.

Never speak ill, nor think all faults Much greater than your own, If you another's faults shall see, Haste not to make them known; For life is short, no tongue can tell How brief may be the span; Now take your choice, seek for the good, And find the best you can.

—MRS. S. R. FURRY, in The Restitution.