For works with similar titles, see Charity.

CHARITY
Name it softly, very lowly,
When a brother goes astray,
When his wavering footsteps wander
From the straight and narrow way.
Ah,—ye know not,—never can know,
How the tempter wrought within;
Who are you, self-constituted
Judges for another's sin?

Ah! in some the blood runs riot,
Coursing with a fever-heat;
Others smile at wild ecstatics,
As their hearts in calmness beat—
Disappointments may have bittered
Hearts that else had bravely striven—
Tempters, bright and angel-robed,
May have drawn them from Heaven.

Whisper softly, whisper lowly,
That the cold world may not hear;
Name his errors with a kindness
You would use to kindred dear—
Let your loving words in mercy
Drop upon his erring heart;
Teach him with your gentlest actions
How to choose the better part.
So at last your love shall win him
To his lost fold back again:—
Whisper softly, very softly,
When a brother's sin you name.