Scripture Verse

If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

Introduction

portrait
James W. Riley
1849–1916

Words: James Whit­comb Ri­ley (1849–1916), alt. Last verse by French E. Ol­iv­er, 1908.

Music: French E. Ol­iv­er, Ol­iv­er’s Songs of De­liv­er­ance (Kan­sas Ci­ty, Mis­sou­ri: French E. Ol­iv­er, 1908), num­ber 68 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
French E. Oliver
1879–1960

Lyrics

When o’er the fame of friend or foe,
The shadow of disgrace shall fall; instead
Of words of blame, or fatal blow—
Let something good be said.

Refrain

And so I charge ye by the thorny crown,
And by the cross on which the Sav­ior bled,
And by your own soul’s hope of fair renown:
Let something good be said.

Forget not grace, no sinner yet
May fall so low but Christ can lift his head,
While cheeks of shame with tears are wet;
Let something good be said.

Refrain

No generous heart may turn aside
To deeds of love—if they in sin be dead,
But may awaken glorified,
If something good be said.

Refrain

If cruel words embitter thee,
Turn to the cross on Calvary, where said
The Sav­ior: O forgive, and see
That something good be said.

Refrain