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I SAY WHAT I THINK

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 11, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 44.

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"I SAY WHAT I THINK."

"I say what I think," says the valiant man, With a voice and a look of daring, Determined to act on a selfish plan, And for nobody's comfort caring— "I say what I think;" and at every chance This impulse of his obeying, 'Tis plain to be seen at a single glance He doesn't think what he's saying.
Oh, many an arrow will reach the heart For which it was never intended, If a careless marksman wings the dart; And the hurt can never be mended; And many a friendship may be lost, And many a love link broken, Because of neglect to count the cost Of words that are lightly spoken!
"I say what I think." Ah! the truly great, Who give their wisdom expression In chosen phrases, would hesitate To make such a rash confession. For think what injuries might be wrought, What evils we could not smother, If everyone said just what they thought With regard to one another!
To say what you think is a noble thing When your voice for the right is needed, To speak out your mind with a loyal ring When order and law are impeded; But the evil thoughts that flow through the brain And the heart should be retarded, For we lessen the tide of grief and pain When our speech is carefully guarded.
You may think what you choose, nor give offense, Be a traitor, and not display it; And if you're deficient in common sense, By silence you'll not betray it. And let it be written in blackest ink, For the good of each son and daughter, That those who always say what they think Are most of the time in hot water. —Selected.