Think gently of the erring one!

O, let us not forget,

However darkly stained by sin,

He is our brother yet!

Heir of the same inheritance,

Child of the self-same God,

He hath but stumbled in the path

We have in weakness trod.

Speak gently to the erring ones!

We yet may lead them back,

With holy words, and tones of love,

From misery’s thorny track.

Forget not, brother, thou hast sinned,

And sinful yet may’st be;

Deal gently with the erring heart,

As God hath dealt with thee.