THE FOUR CALLS | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 1, 1877

THE FOUR CALLS.

The Spirit came in childhood, And pleaded, “Let Me in;” But ah, the door was bolted And barred by childish sin. The child said, “I'm too little; There's time enough; to-day I cannot open;” sadly The Spirit went His way.

Again He came and pleaded In youth's bright, happy hour. He called, but heard no answer; For, fettered in sin's power, The youth lay dreaming idly, And crying, “Not to-day; For I must have some pleasure.” Again He turned away.

Again He came in mercy, In manhood's vigorous prime; But still could find no welcome— The merchant had no time To spare for true repentance, No time to praise and pray; And thus repulsed and saddened, The Spirit turned away.

Once more he called, and waited. The man was old and sad; He scarcely heard the whisper, His heart was seared and bad. “Go, leave me. When I need Thee I'll call for Thee,” he cried; Then sinking on his pillow, Without a God, he died!

—Sel. from The Christian at Work.