Why will ye waste on trifling cares

That life which God’s compassion spares;

While, in the various range of thought,

The one thing needful is forgot?

2 Shall God invite you from above?

Shall Jesus urge his dying love?

Shall troubled conscience give you pain?

And all these pleas unite in vain?

3 Not so your eyes will always view

Those objects which you now pursue:

Not so will heaven and hell appear

When death’s decisive hour is near.

4 Almighty God! thy power impart;

Fix deep conviction on each heart;

Nor let us waste on trifling cares

That life which thy compassion spares.