Life at best is very brief

1
Life at best is very brief,
Like the falling of a leaf,
Like the binding of a sheaf,
    Be in time!
Fleeting days are telling fast
That the die will soon be cast,
And the fatal line be passed,
    Be in time!
  Be in time! Be in time!
While the voice of Jesus calls you,
  Be in time!
If in sin you longer wait,
You may find no open gate,
And your cry be just too late:
    Be in time!
2
Fairest flowers soon decay,
Youth and beauty pass away;
O you have not long to stay,
    Be in time!
While God's Spirit bids you come,
Sinner, do not longer roam,
Lest you seal your hopeless doom,
    Be in time!
3
Time is gliding swiftly by,
Death and judgment draweth nigh,
To the arms of Jesus fly,
    Be in time!
O I pray you count the cost!
Ere the fatal line be crossed,
And your soul in hell be lost,
    Be in time!
4
Sinner, heed the warning voice,
Make the Lord your final choice,
Then all heaven will rejoice,
    Be in time!
Come from darkness into light;
Come, let Jesus make you right;
Come, receive His life tonight,
    Be in time!
47
Happy Wilson Abali

Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria

Reminds me why it is important to obey God rather man. Remaining on God's side and being obedient to ALL His requirements is the best one can ever do in his life. "There is" the Bible says "no repentance in the grave."


Helena Munasque

Iligan City, Philippines

Come Lord Jesus!


Onovo-Agbo David

Aba, Abia State, Nigeria

I'd say I've always known this hymn all my life. But sometime in the late 90s, our song book was changed with a new one which hadn't this hymn on it. Surprisingly, my mind would race back to these lines again this morning as I gave deep thoughts to my friends and relations departed. It beckons on sinners to the mercy seat and His saving grace: whilst also warning of the iminent damnation that awaits a recalcitrant soul. Such a great hymn I love so much!


Martin Adu

Leiden, Zuid Holland, Netherlands

I knew this song way back in the early 80s while in a campus Christian fellowship. We sang it in choir to invite people to the altar for Jesus. It's words are so direct, imploring, encouraging, directing the sinner to Jesus. It just came in my head and I got searching and fount it here. I am so blessed and reminded of what life is all about, it's brevity and how we should seek, find and live for the Lord.


Dorothy Burks

Covington, TN, United States

Lyrics by Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, Founder of Churches of God in Christ, Inc. I heard the lyrics for the first time from a cd of his funeral (about 1961) and I couldn't wait to get the music. Most enjoyable!!!!!!


Joshua Kim

Newport, United Kingdom

This is in the Korean hymnal (most Korean churches use the same hymnal). Although the Korean translation is fine, these original English words hit much closer to heart. I can imagine this being used to great effect in a revival meeting.


Simon Garratt

United Kingdom

A hymn that I grew up with, that I often use and quote. A hymn that I love because its words are true.

Sankey 437