Poems (Schiller)/The spirit's strivings
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.