UNSAVED by S. M. Spicer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 23, 1878

UNSAVED

By S. M. Spicer

ALMOST persuaded—the Holy Spirit wooing, Still waiting at the heart's closed door: How often has it there before been pleading! As oftentimes repulsed before; While still the heart was heard to say, A more convenient season, pray; Then surely I will hear—obey.

Still loving pleads the Saviour, with bleeding hands and side, Poor, helpless, ruined sinner, it was for thee I died; The gospel feast of mercy I freely spread for you. The angels pause in wonder, such passing love to view. Oh! might they now the message bear: The heart, repentant, breathes in prayer,— Lord, let me now thy blessing share.

Not quite persuaded to leave the ways of sin; So sweet the draughts of pleasure, its bitter all forgot; Earth's fond delusive treasures we ever hope to win, Though death the promised portion, its terrors heeded not. Still blind, secure, the soul doth say, Only a few more days' delay; I'll surely seek the better way.

O poor mistaken sinner, knew'st thou the tempter's wiles, How with delusive promise his victim he beguiles,— Persuading to delay, he binds his growing chain. Around his helpless victim, ne'er to release again. Dear sinner, then reflect, beware, Escape at once the tempter's snare; Turn, turn to-day,—our earnest prayer.

Almost persuaded,—sweet views of heavenly bliss,— A crown of joy for mourning will our Redeemer give, Such glorious, holy mansions exchange for earth like this:— O sinner, seek that kingdom! O turn to-day and live. Almost—no more;—the Spirit passed— The soul in death's embrace is fast; Almost persuaded—lost at last.

S. M. Spicer.