Chide Mildly the Erring

Chide Mildly the Erring

Chide mildly the erring,
Kind language endears;
Grief follows the sinful,
Add not to their tears.
Avoid with reproaches
Fresh pain to bestow;
The heart which is stricken,
Needs never a blow.

Chide mildly the erring,
Jeer not at their fall;
If strength were but human,
How weakly were all.
What marvel that footsteps
Should wander astray!
What tempests o'er shadow
Life's wearisome way!

Chide mildly the erring,
Entreat them with care;
Their natures are mortal,
They need not despair.
We all have some frailty,
We all are unwise,
And the grace which redeems us
Must come from the skies.