On the Fire at Olney. Sept. 22, 1777

I

Wearied by day with toils and cares,
How welcome is the peaceful night!
Sweet sleep our wasted strength repairs,
And fits us for returning light.

II

Yet when our eyes in sleep are closed,
Our rest may break ere well begun;
To dangers every hour exposed
We neither can foresee nor shun.

III

’Tis of the Lord that we can sleep
A single night without alarms;
His eye alone our lives can keep
Secure amidst a thousand harms.

IV

For months and years of safety past
Ungrateful we, alas! have been;
Though patient long, he spoke at last,
And bid the fire rebuke our sin.

V

The shout of fire! a dreadful cry,
Impress’d each heart with deep dismay,
While the fierce blaze and redd’ning sky
Made midnight wear the face of day.

VI

The throng and terror who can speak?
The various sounds that fill’d the air!
The infant’s wail, the mother’s shriek,
The voice of blasphemy and pray’r!

VII

But pray’r prevail’d, and saved the town;
The few who loved the Saviour’s name
Were heard, and mercy hasted down,
To change the wind and stop the flame.

VIII

Oh, may that night be ne’er forgot!
Lord, still increase thy praying few!
Were Olney left without a Lot,
Ruin like Sodom’s would ensue.