Evening bells

I sat one eve beside the rivers brink

to watch the setting sun;

And from a church the other side,

The evening bells were rung

So calm and peaceful was the scene

So sweet and clear the chimes;

That as I sat in reverie

This message they defined,

The shades of eve are falling fast

List to our message ere you pass

Remember life is fleeting fast

At dawn another day has passed

I pondered at the bell's clear notes

Ah yes, how short is life, I sighed;

How short to do the work I would,

Time is eternal the bells replied

Do now the work that is at hand,

This was their sweet refrain;

And if on earth you finish not

In heaven you'll more regain

So let this message comfort you

Just be contented, good and true

God will appoint you work to do

If you just trust him all life through