O why are you clinging to earth’s fading flow’rs,
Tho’ fragrant its blossoms and lovely its bow’rs?
The cold breath of winter will sweep them away,
Then why from your fatherland,
O why will you stay?

Refrain

Why will you stay? Jesus calls you today,
Your poor aching hearts for rest are longing still,
And yet in His mercy you may rest if you will.

O why are you dreaming of hopes that are frail,
That die like the leaflet when tossed by the gale?
The heart’s weary longings the world cannot still,
And yet in the Savior you may rest if you will.

Refrain

O why are you slighting the voice of the Lord,
Refusing to follow His life giving Word?
No love like the Savior’s your lone hearts can fill,
That love is inviting you to rest if you will.

Refrain

O why are you waiting when time flies apace?
Take heed that ye spurn not God’s message of grace;
O trust not the pleasures that charm to deceive,
But come to the Savior and, repenting, believe.

Refrain