First Line: Time is earnest, passing by,

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 God is earnest, kneel and pray
Ere thy season pass away ;
Ere be set His judgment-throne,
Vengeance ready, mercy gone.

4 Oh, be earnest ! death is near ;
Thou wilt perish lingering here :
Sleep no longer, rise and flee ;
Lo, thy Saviour waits for thee !