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Life at Best is Very Brief (Be in Time)
By Anonymous (1892)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Bible Reference
Psalm 90:9, 2 Corinthians 6:2,
Lectionary & readings
Open today’s (or any date’s) assigned scriptures and find related hymns across church calendars. Useful when planning worship around this song’s themes or its Bible reference.
Hymn scripture: 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
This hymn on heaven was given anonymously in the American Shining Star, New York, 1862, where it was entitled “The beautiful land.” It is widely used in America and appears in a few English Sunday school books.
Read moreAlles ist an Gottes Segen Hymn
An anonymous German hymn on Christian faith and patience, dating from about 1673. Miss Winkworth translated it as “All things hang on our possessing.”
Read moreA mourning class, a vacant seat Hymn
An anonymous hymn on the death of a scholar, first printed in the American Union Hymns of 1835. It is widely used in America but only in a few British Sunday school books.
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