FLEETING by M. J. B.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 10, 1874

FLEETING

By M. J. B.

SWIFTLY the time is fleeting; It seems but yesterday That the tender buds expanded ’Neath the sunny rays of May, And now the woodland bowers Have exchanged their shining green, For the glowing robes of autumn— A grand, yet solemn, scene.

Solemn, because it speaketh Of nature’s sure decay, And of the fair, lost Eden, Where man to sin gave way; It also speaks of seed-time, And asks me, Didst thou sow At morn and evening, weeping, And praying heavenly dew?

If I did not sow in spring time, I cannot hope to reap; The Master gave me precious seed, Saying, Sow it while you weep, And then you’ll come rejoicing, Bringing the ripened sheaves; Oh! shall I stand before him With only withered leaves?

The time is swiftly passing, Oh! why do I delay To labor for the Master? Go, work, he said, to-day. And shall the evening shadows Find me with empty hand? Oh! rouse, my soul, and quickly Obey the Lord’s command.

Why cling to earth’s poor treasures? They perish in an hour; But the glorious things he giveth Will evermore endure; There’s a robe of shining brightness, And a crown of glittering gold, A harp whose thrilling melody, These fingers may unfold.

Oh! think of the glory waiting For those who labor here; ’Tis only these will enter The mansions shining there, And precious souls are perishing Around thee, everywhere. Go, labor for the Master, With patient, watchful care.

Haste thee, my soul, oh! hasten, Swiftly the moments fly; Go, labor for the Master Before the night draws nigh; Waste not one precious moment; For soon the gathered grain Will show the seed-time o’er, And work will then be vain.

M. J. B.

Rochester, N. Y.