The time is short!
If thou wouldst work for God, it must be now;
If thou wouldst win the garland for thy brow,
Redeem the time!
Shake off earth’s sloth;
Go forth with staff in hand while yet ’tis day;
Set out with girded loins upon the way:
Up! Linger not!
Fold not thy hands!
What has the pilgrim of the cross and crown
To do with luxury or couch of down?
On, pilgrim, on!
With His reward
He comes; He tarries not; His day is near;
When men least look for Him, He will be here:
Prepare for Him!
Withstand the foe!
Die daily, that forever thou mayest live;
Be faithful unto death! The Lord will give
The crown of life.
H. Bonar