The Four Calls
Our Daily Bread, February 22
The Spirit came in childhood and pleaded, "Let me in," Again He came and pleaded in youth's bright happy hour; Again He called in mercy in manhood's vigorous prime, Once more He called and waited, the man was old and ill,But oh! the door was bolted by thoughtlessness and sin;
"I am too young," the child replied, "I will not yield today;
There's time enough tomorrow." The Spirit went away.
He came but heard no answer, for lured by Satan's power
The youth lay dreaming then and saying, "Not today,
Not till I've tried earth's pleasures." The Spirit went away.
But still He found no welcome, the merchant had no time;
No time for true repentance, no time to think or pray,
And so, repulsed and saddened, the Spirit went away.
And scarcely heard the whisper, his heart was cold and still;
"Go leave me; when I need thee, I'll call for thee," he cried;
