Think gently of the erring one!

O, let us not forget,

However darkly stained by sin,

He is our brother yet.

2 Heir of the same inheritance,

Child of the self-same God,

He hath but stumbled in the path

We have in weakness trod.

3 Speak gently to the erring ones!

We yet may lead them back,

With holy words and tones of love,

From misery’s thorny track.

4 Forget not, brother, thou hast sinned,

And sinful yet may be;

Deal gently with the erring heart,

As God hath dealt with thee.