1 Why will ye lavish out your years
Amidst a thousand trifling cares,
While, in the various range of thought,
The one thing needful is forgot?

2 Why will ye chase the fleeting wind,
And famish an immortal mind,
While angels with regret look down
To see you spurn a heavenly crown?

3 Th'eternal God calls from above,
And Jesus pleads His dying love;
Awakened conscience gives you pain:
And shall they join their pleas in vain?

4 Not so your dying eyes shall view
Those objects which ye now pursue;
Not so shall heaven and hell appear
When the decisive hour is near.

5 Almighty God! Thine aid impart,
To fix conviction on the heart:
Thy power can clear the darkest eyes,
And make the haughtiest scorner wise.