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