The Home Circle by Mrs. M. J. Bahler

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 25, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 45.

The Home Circle.

By Mrs. M. J. Bahler

WORDS.

BY MRS. M. J. BAHLER.

Oh, never can we guard too well These tongues, which oft, with fire of hell, Set rolling words which surge and swell Like fiery flames. And naught can stay Their work of death; they leap and sway Like cruel fiends in heartless play.

Then, oh jealously guard the treacherous things; For they speed away as with eagle's wings. We never can gather them back again, When once on their mission, 'tis joy or pain.

In our weakened lives, oft a word doth serve To guide or to hold, when from right we swerve; Yea, a word may heal, or a word may wound; E'en a word may lead to forbidden ground.

Oh, to utter words is a solemn thing! Yet, unchallenged, quick from our lips they spring; While the faithless sentry, the careless heart, Has failed to perform its allotted part.

Let us earnestly pray, as the moments go, "Set a watch, O Lord, o'er the words which flow From these lips of mine. May my words be few, Mild, compassionate, faithful, and true."

Oakland, Cal.