p. 12 | The Home Circle by Charles Mackey

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 9, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 35.

The Home Circle.

By Charles Mackey

TIME TO ME.

TIME to me this truth hath taught, 'Tis a truth that's worth revealing: More offend from want of thought, Than from any want of feeling. If advice we would convey, There's a time we should convey it; If we've but a word to say, There's a time in which to say it! Many a beauteous flower decays, Though we tend it e'er so much: Something secret on it preys, Which no human aid can touch! So, in many a loving breast, Lies some canker-grief concealed, That, if touched, is more oppressed, Left unto itself—is healed. Oft, unknowingly, the tongue Touches on a chord so aching, That a word or accent wrong Pains the heart almost to breaking. Many a tear of wounded pride, Many a fault of human blindness, Had been soothed or turned aside, By a quiet voice of kindness! Time to me this truth hath taught, 'Tis a truth that's worth revealing: More offend from want of thought, Than from any want of feeling. —Charles Mackey.