808    C.M.     J. Hart
For Public Fast or Humiliation. Joel. 1. 14; 2. 15-17

1 Lord, look on all assembled here,
  Who in thy presence stand
  To offer up united prayer
  For this our sinful land.

2 [Oft have we each in private prayed
  Our country might find grace;
  Now hear the same petitions made
  In this appointed place.

3 Or, if among us some be met,
  So careless of their sin,
  They have not cried for mercy yet,
  Lord, make them now begin.]

4 Thou, by whose death poor sinners live,
  By whom their prayers succeed,
  Thy Spirit of supplication give,
  And we shall pray indeed.

5 We will not slack, nor give thee rest,
  But importune thee so
  That, till we shall by thee be blest,
  We will not let thee go.

6 Great God of Hosts, deliverance bring;
  Guide those that hold the helm;
  Support the state, preserve the king,
  And spare the guilty realm.

7 Or, should the dread decree be past,
  And we must feel thy rod,
  May faith and patience hold us fast
  To our correcting God.

8 Whatever be our destined case,
  Accept us in thy Son;
  Give us his gospel and his grace,
  And then, Thy will be done.