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GENESIS Chapter 13:10 LOT in Sodom 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 (a) 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 will be ours, If to the earth we cleave; Lord, quicken all our drowsy powers, To flee to thee and live. (a) 2 Peter 2:8

from John Newton's Diary, relevant to this hymn: Sunday 29 June 1777 Mr Barham writes that Mr La Trobe, who has constantly attended Dr Dodd, makes no doubt but he died a believer in thy Name. I know thy mercy is thy delight, and higher than the heavens – I trust, it was so, and praise thee on his behalf. Thou canst show thy goodness and thy severity in the same moment. Tuesday 1 July 1777 A visit from Mr [John] Mayor of Worcester College Oxford. He wishes to spend some months here, if we can find him a place. Lord if it be thy will thy providence will own it. I wish to be useful to any of thine. Wednesday 2 July 1777 Walked to the Mill with Mr Mayor … preached at Lavendon, in the evening, from 2 Corinthians 12:9 [And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.] Thursday 3 July 1777 … alas! my spirit is far estranged from thee... I am like a person who is lame, his steps are unequal, ungraceful and painful. O Lord my Saviour what shall I say? Alas my confessions seem but invented and lip service for I am not affected by them. Psalm 40:2 [He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.] Sunday 6 July 1777 At the sacrament ... Sally Perkin was there for the first time. Thou hast been pleased to comfort her, and many I can see, like Gideon’s wet fleece; for this I am bound to praise thee, that thou art pleased to bear any testimony to my ministry, though I receive so little myself. Thou hast found a place for Mr Mayor and his companion Mr [Thomas] Charles [later referred to as ‘Charles of Bala’] to reside while amongst us. It is the act of thy providence; may thy blessing make it useful to them, and to many. Hymn No. 288 [278 intended] Isaiah 42:7 Luke 18:13 Hymn No. 278 [On this date Newton preached from the above texts at his church, St Peter & St Paul, Olney, during the morning and afternoon services, and from this hymn at the informal evening service]

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Hymn: MS Eng 1317, Houghton Library, Harvard University
Diary: John Newton Collection, CO199, Princeton University