1145    C.M.     E. Scott
For National Reprieve. Gen. 18. 32

1 When Abram full of sacred awe,
  Before Jehovah stood,
  And with a humble, fervent prayer,
  For guilty Sodom sued;

2 With what success, what wondrous grace,
  Was his petition crowned!
  The Lord would spare, if in the place
  Ten righteous men be found.

3 And could a single holy soul
  So rich a boon obtain?
  Great God, and shall thy remnant cry
  And plead with thee in vain?

4 Britain, all guilty as she is,
  Her several saints can boast;
  And now their fervent prayers ascend –
  And can those prayers be lost?

5 Are not thy righteous dear to thee
  Now, as in ancient times?
  Or does this guilty land exceed
  Gomorrah in its crimes?

6 Still there are those who bear thy name,
  Here yet is thine abode;
  Long has thy presence blessed our land;
  Forsake us not, O God!