Why stand ye here idle? there’s labor for all

Why stand ye here idle?  there’s labor for all,
The vineyard needs workmen, the weeds are grown tall;
The ripe fruit is wasting for lack of strong hands
Why stand ye here idle?  the Master demands.

Why stand ye here idle?  a brother’s in need,
His cries ascend heav’nward, then pray you, give heed;
For food and for raiment he suffers tonight,
Then render assistance; O, dare to do right.

Why stand ye here idle?  a soul’s being lost,
Speak, speak words of warning, whatever the cost;
The soul you may rescue from sin and from shame,
And give to the Savior to praise His dear name.

Why stand ye here idle?  O labor each day,
To lead men to Jesus, the Truth, Life and Way;
The Spirit has promised its presence to lend,
To comfort and strengthen, till labors shall end.

Chorus
Oh, why stand ye idle?  Oh, why stand ye idle,
Oh, why stand ye idle, idle all day?
The harvest is passing,
The harvest is passing,
The harvest is passing, passing away.
     J. L. McDonald