Poems (Schiller)/The spirit's strivings

by Rebecca Jane Schiller

THE SPIRIT'S STRIVINGS

When the peaceful hour of twilight
 Comes at close of day,
And the whippoorwill is singing,
 Loud its evening lay;
Tell us then, is not God's spirit
 Striving with your heart,
Bidding you to turn to Jesus,
 From your sins depart?

When among the gay you wander,
 Bound by pleasure's chain,
Do you not, 'mid jest and laughter,
 Hear that voice again,
Telling you that earthly pleasures
 Soon must fade away;
Bidding you to gather treasures,
 That will not decay?

When a loved one gently passes,
 To the other shore,
And the shadow of the death king
 Flits within your door;
Then does not the spirit whisper
 Of a throne above,
Of a crown that may be yours
 By a life of love?

Oh, my sister, if the spirit
 Striveth thus with you,
Listen to its gentle teachings,
 Life begin anew;
And my brother, dear, remember,
 Jesus for you died;
Choose Him then, for He will ever
 Be a faithful guide.
February 8, 1868.