That righteous man dwelling among them…vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds.
2 Peter 2:8
Words: John Newton, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), Book 1, number 5. Lot in Sodom.
Music: St. Magnus attributed to Jeremiah Clarke in The Divine Companion, second edition, by Henry Playford (London, 1707). Harmony by William H. Monk, 1868 (🔊 pdf nwc).
How hurtful was the choice of Lot,
Who took up his abode
Because it was a fruitful spot
With them who feared not God!
A prisoner he was quickly made,
Bereaved of all his store;
And, but for Abraham’s timely aid,
He had returned no more.
Yet still he seemed resolved to stay
As if it were his rest;
Although their sins from day to day
His righteous soul distressed.
Awhile he stayed with anxious mind,
Exposed to scorn and strife;
At last he left his all behind,
And fled to save his life.
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.
His wife escaped a little way,
But died for looking back:
Does not her case to pilgrims say,
Beware of growing slack?
Yea; Lot himself could lingering stand,
Though vengeance was in view;
’Twas mercy plucked him by the hand,
Or he had perished too.
The doom of Sodom wilt be ours
If to the earth we cleave;
Lord, quicken all our drowsy powers,
To flee to Thee and live.