Lot in Sodom

I

How hurtful was the choice of Lot,
Who took up his abode
(Because it was a fruitful spot)
With them who fear’d not God!

II

A pris’ner he was quickly made,
Bereaved of all his store;
And but for Abra’m’s timely aid
He had return’d no more.

III

Yet still he seem’d resolved to stay,
As if it were his rest,
Although their sins from day to day
His righteous soul distress’d.

IV

Awhile he stay’d, with anxious mind,
Exposed to scorn and strife;
At last he left his all behind,
And fled to save his life.

V

In vain his sons-in-law he warn’d;
They thought he told his dreams;
His daughters too of them had learn’d,
And perish’d in the flames.

VI

His wife escaped a little way,
But died for looking back:
Does not her case to pilgrims say,
“Beware of growing slack”?

VII

Yea, Lot himself could ling’ring stand
Though vengeance was in view;
’Twas Mercy pluck’d him by the hand
Or he had perish’d too.

VIII

The doom of Sodom will be ours
If to the earth we cleave:
Lord, quicken all our drowsy powers
To flee to thee and live.