The Charlotte Journal

From the Star Spangled Banner.

We Should Forgive Each Other.

BY FINLEY JOHNSON.

We should forgive each other,
For hasty words will start
From sorrow's fount, which springeth in
An overburdened heart.

And we may never think to wound
Or give our brother pain;
And if forgiven the first offence,
We may not err again.

Let not the heedless words we speak
Be treasured in the mind,
But may the dove of peace find rest,
And in thy heart recline;

Let not false pride uphold thee still,
But let love's voice be heard—
And may it plead in earnest tones
For every unkind word.

And O, forget not that life's years
Are gliding fast away,
That a time will come when earth shall claim
All of its kindred clay.

And O, forget not, that when parted
By death's approaching doom,
There is no ray of light to shed
Forgiveness in the tomb.

'Tis sweet unto the soul to hear
That charming word forgive;
It bids the stricken heart to hope,
And for bright love to live.

Then let us all obey that rule
Which bids us love each other:
Which bids mankind in every case,
Forgive his erring brother.