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 never more.
Soon to meet eternity!
Wilt thou never serious be?

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

Christ is earnest-bids thee come;
God declares that all is done;
Wilt thou spurn thy Saviour’s love,
Pleading with thee from above?

God is earnest; come today,
Ere the season pass away-
Ere be set His judgment throne,
Vengeance ready, mercy gone!