Life Is Earnest

Life is earnest, when tis o'er,
Thou returnest never more.

Ezra Battye

This is from a hymn called 'Time is Earnest' written by Sidney Dyer, the second verse, first two lines.
Life is earnest; when ’tis o’er
Thou returnest nevermore.
Soon to meet eternity,
Wilt thou never serious be?
The full hymn is below (and in Reference Link)

Time is earnest, passing by;
Death is earnest, drawing nigh.
Sinner! wilt thou trifling be?
Time and death appeal to thee.

Life is earnest; when ’tis o’er
Thou returnest nevermore.
Soon to meet eternity,
Wilt thou never serious be?

Heav’n is earnest; solemnly
Float its voices down to thee.
Oh, thou mortal, art thou gay,
Sporting through thine earthly day?

Hell is earnest; fiercely roll
Burning billows near thy soul.
Woe for thee! if thou abide
Unredeemed, unsanctified!

God is earnest: kneel and pray,
Ere thy season pass away—
Ere He set His judgment throne,
Vengeance ready, mercy gone.

Christ is earnest, bids thee Come!
Paid thy spirit’s priceless sum.
Wilt thou spurn the Savior’s love,
Pleading with thee from above?

Thou refusest! wretched one!
Thou despisest God’s dear Son!
Madness! dying sinner, turn!
Lest His wrath within thee burn.

When thy pleasures all depart
What will soothe thy fainting heart?
Friendless, desolate, alone,
Entering a world unknown.

Oh, be earnest! loitering
Thou wilt perish: lingering
Be no longer—rise and flee;
Lo! thy Savior waits for thee.