Life at Best is Very Brief (Be in Time)

By Anonymous

Lyrics

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.
Refrain
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,
Oh, you have not long to stay,
Be in time.
While God’s Spirit bids you come,
Sinner, do no longer roam,
Lest you seal your helpless doom,
Be in time.
3. Time is gliding swiftly by,
Death and judgment draweth nigh,
To the arms of Jesus fly,
Be in time.
Oh, 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, and start for Heav’n tonight,
Be in time. 

Psalm 90:9, 2 Corinthians 6:2,

About This Hymn

"Be in Time" is a poignant nineteenth-century gospel invitation hymn that emphasizes the fragile brevity of human existence and the urgent need for spiritual redemption. Using vivid natural imagery, the lyrics compare the human lifespan to a fading flower, a falling leaf, and a swiftly passing shadow. These metaphors serve as a stark warning against procrastination, reminding the listener that earthly life is unpredictable and fleeting.

The core message of the hymn centers on immediate salvation, drawing heavily from the biblical truth that "now is the day of salvation." It acts as a solemn plea to the listener to reconcile with God before the symbolic gate of mercy closes forever. Ultimately, the hymn contrasts the temporary, fragile nature of mortal life with the eternal weight of eternity, urging souls to act decisively before time runs out. 

From the Dictionary of Hymnology

Related terms and concepts automatically matched to this hymn.

A beautiful land by faith I see Hymn

A popular nineteenth-century Sunday School hymn about Heaven, first published anonymously in 1862 and later attributed to J. Hall.

Read more

All the world in sin was lying Hymn

Summary of Sabine Baring-Gould's redemption hymn "All the world in sin was lying."

Read more
Browse the full Dictionary of Hymnology →

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Hymn Information

image of Life at Best is Very Brief (Be in Time) of Anonymous
  • Category: Hymn
  • Subjects: Children Funeral Joy Judgment Salvation
  • Tune: On the happy golden shore
  • Composer(s): William J. Kirkpatrick
  • Meter: 7.7.7.3 with refrain
  • Written by: Anonymous (1892)
  • Added: 1 week, 4 days ago
  • Last Updated: 1 week, 4 days ago
  • Views: 117

To view the author's biography, click their name above.

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