[Verse 1] You were met with patient counsel, More than once, a door held wide; Still you turned from every kindness, Would not leave the wrong aside. When your choices speak so plainly, That you will not heed the way, We must honor what is written, Though our hearts would have you stay. [Chorus] Keep the congregation faithful, Keep the counsel clear and kind; This is not to shame or wound you, But to guard each searching mind. When a heart will not turn back, Love must hold the boundary true; We will pray that you remember There is still a way to choose. [Verse 2] An announcement tells the brothers You no longer share our name; Not to mock you, not to harm you, Not to feed the fires of blame. We stop the common table, As the letter asks us to; Still we hope you seek the Father, And return to what is true. [Chorus] Keep the congregation faithful, Keep the counsel clear and kind; This is not to shame or wound you, But to guard each searching mind. When a heart will not turn back, Love must hold the boundary true; We will pray that you remember There is still a way to choose. [Instrumental Interlude] [Bridge] A little leaven spreads through all, A quiet drift can dim the flame; Choose the life that keeps you near, Walk with those who honor Jehovah’s name. [Final Chorus] Keep the congregation faithful, Let compassion guide the way; Truth can stand with tenderness, And hope can wait another day. When a heart will not turn back, Love must hold the boundary true; We will pray that you remember There is still a way to choose. [Outro] There is still a way to choose, And a way back home to truth.
