Time is earnest, passing by;
Death is earnest, drawing nigh;
Sinner, wilt thou trifling be?
Time and death appeal to thee.
Life is earnest; when ‘tis o'er.
Thou returnest nevermore;
Soon to meet eternity,
Wilt thou never serious be?
God is earnest, kneel and pray
Ere thy season pass away;
Ere be set His judgment-throne,
Vengeance ready, mercy gone.
Oh, be earnest! death is near;
Thou wilt perish lingering here:
Sleep no longer, rise and flee;
Lo, thy Saviour waits for thee!