Three Calls

[Third Hour] O slumberer, rouse thee! despise not the truth But give thy Creator the days of thy youth; Why standest there idle! The day breaketh, see! The Lord of the vineyard is waiting for thee. “Holy Spirit, by thy power, Grant me yet another hour; Earthly pleasures I would prove, Earthly joy, and earthly love; Scarcely yet has dawned the day; Holy Spirit, wait I pray! Hark! Borne on the wind is the bell’s solemn toll; ‘Tis mournfully pealing the knell of a soul The spirit’s sweet pleadings and strivings are o’er; The Lord of the vineyard stands waiting not more. [Sixth and Ninth Hours] O loiterer, speed thee! the morn wear a pace; Then squander no longer the moments of grace, But haste while there’s time! With thy Master agree; The Lord of the vineyard stands waiting for thee. Gentle Spirit, stay, oh stay, Brightly beams the early day; Let me linger in these bowers; God shall have my noontide hours; Chide me not, for my delay, Gentle Spirit, wait, I pray! Hark! Borne on the wind is the bell’s solemn toll; ‘Tis mournfully pealing the knell of a soul The spirit’s sweet pleadings and strivings are o’er; The Lord of the vineyard stands waiting not more. [Eleventh Hour] O sinner, arouse thee! thy morning is pass’d; Already the shadows are lengthening fast; Escape, for thy life! From the dark mountains flee; The Lord of the vineyard yet waiteth for thee. Spirit, cease thy mournful lay, Leave me to myself, I pray; Earth hath flung her spell around me, Pleasure’s silken chain hath bound me; When the sun his path hath trod, Spirit, then I’ll turn to God!” Hark! Borne on the wind is the bell’s solemn toll; ‘Tis mournfully pealing the knell of a soul The spirit’s sweet pleadings and strivings are o’er; The Lord of the vineyard stands waiting not more