1 Time is earnest, passing by;
Death is earnest, drawing nigh.
Sinner! wilt thou trifling be?
Time and death appeal to thee.

2 Life is earnest; when ’tis o’er
Thou returnest nevermore.
Soon to meet eternity,
Wilt thou never serious be?

3 Heaven is earnest; solemnly
Float its voices down to thee.
Oh, thou mortal, art thou gay,
Sporting through thine earthly day?

4 Hell is earnest; fiercely roll
Burning billows near thy soul.
Woe for thee! if thou abide
Unredeemed, unsanctified!

5 God is earnest: kneel and pray,
Ere thy season pass away—
Ere He set His judgment throne,
Vengeance ready, mercy gone.

6 Christ is earnest, bids thee "Come!"
Paid thy spirit’s priceless sum.
Wilt thou spurn the Savior’s love,
Pleading with thee from above?

7 Thou refusest! wretched one!
Thou despisest God’s dear Son!
Madness! dying sinner, turn!
Lest His wrath within thee burn.

8 When thy pleasures all depart
What will soothe thy fainting heart?
Friendless, desolate, alone,
Entering a world unknown.

9 Oh, be earnest! loitering
Thou wilt perish: lingering
Be no longer—rise and flee;
Lo! thy Savior waits for thee.