The Home Circle by Jane Cavanaugh

S. D. A. Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 10, 1884

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 2

The Home Circle.

By Jane Cavanaugh

SPEAK NO EVIL OF YOUR NEIGHBOR.

Speak no evil of your neighbor, Let no words of cruel blame Cause your neighbor’s cheek to mantle With the burning blush of shame. Can you do a Christian’s duty While you blight your neighbor’s fame?

Do not judge him very hardly, Though his ways may erring be; He may carry heavy burdens That perhaps you do not see; Many a heart bears secret sorrow, Though its pain may hidden be.

You perhaps have never wandered From the path of right away; Nor have met the strong temptations That have led his feet astray; You perhaps are safely sheltered From the dangers in his way.

Then, if so, how can you judge him,— In your strength his weakness blame? Had you met the same temptations You perhaps would feel his shame. Speak no evil word of slander That may blight your neighbor’s name.

Life is full enough of sorrow, Every heart its anguish knows; Would you add the sting of slander To a fellow-being’s woes? Slander with its sting so deadly Sometimes deals such cruel blows.

Rather try to cheer and help him; In this fight with adverse fate Kindly words from you may save him— Speak them ere it be too late, Lest you some remorse may suffer In your pity for his fate.

—Jane Cavanaugh, in N. Y. Weekly.