What! Never Speak One Evil Word

What! never speak one evil word,
Or rash, or idle, or unkind!

What! never speak one evil word,
Or rash, or idle, or unkind!
O how shall I, most gracious Lord,
This mark of true perfection find?

Thy sinless mind in me reveal,
Thy Spirit’s plenitude impart;
And all my spotless life shall tell
The abundance of a loving heart.

Saviour, I long to testify
The fulness of thy saving grace;
O might thy Spirit the blood apply,
Which bought for me the sacred peace!

Forgive, and make my nature whole,
My inbred malady remove;
To perfect health restore my soul,
To perfect holiness and love.