The Gentle Word by Amos E. Flint

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Apr 8, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 14.

The Gentle Word

By Amos E. Flint

A gentle word—a little thing, But great the joy that it can bring When spoken to the careworn heart, Oft pierced and torn by sorrow's dart.

A gentle word can leave no scar The sweetest song or smile to mar. 'Tis love that rules its sowing here, And crowns with joy each passing year.

Speak gently to the erring one Who now the path of right may shun. Perchance harsh words, so careless sown In moistened soil, to seed have grown.

A gentle word, alas, may win The erring one from paths of sin. 'Tis better far to rule by love, As does the One who dwells above.

Kind, gentle words shine full and bright As distant worlds on darkest night. Like heaven's calm on storm-tossed spume, They bear away life's sighs and gloom.

A gentle word—what charm it brings, Like soothing strains on joyful strings! Each care and pang of mortal birth Finds buoyant sphere—a heaven on earth.

Then speak kind words—'tis not in vain; The harvest brings eternal gain. 'Tis ours to sow the kindly seed Of every word and act and deed.