The words
Stanza 1. How hurtful was the choice of Lot,Who took up his abode(Because it was a fruitful spot)With them who feared not God!
Stanza 2. A pris’ner he was quickly made,Bereaved of all his store;And, but for Abraham’s timely aid,He had returned no more.
Stanza 3. Yet still he seemed resolved to stayAs if it were his rest;Although their sins from day to dayHis righteous soul distressed.
Stanza 4. Awhile he stayed with anxious mind,Exposed to scorn and strife;At last he left his all behind,And fled to save his life.
Stanza 5. In vain his sons–in–law he warned,They thought he told his dreams;His daughters too, of them had learned,And perished in the flames.
Stanza 6. His wife escaped a little way,But died for looking back:Does not her case to pilgrims say,“Beware of growing slack?”
Stanza 7. Yea; Lot himself could ling’ring stand,Though vengeance was in view;’Twas mercy plucked him by the hand,Or he had perished too.
Stanza 8. The doom of Sodom wilt be oursIf to the earth we cleave;Lord quicken all our drowsy pow’rs,To flee to thee and live.
Olney Hymns (1779), Book 1, Hymn 5. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/1-5
