Hymns for the Year 1756, 2

In our most precarious state.
In this dark vindictive hour,
Shuddering on the brink of fate,
Lest the greedy pit devour,
From the wrath of earth and sky
Where shall Ave for refuge fly?
Lo! our all at stake we see,
All we prize or love below,
Peace, and life, and liberty,
Trifles to our sorest woe,
Still we bear an heavier load
Trembling for the ark of God.

Trembling for religion's cause.
Lest it share the common doom,
(Pure and undefiled it was,
Purged from all the dregs of Rome
Lest the genuine gospel fail,
Lest the gates of hell prevail.

Bow'd beneath the deepest sense
Of our state, we fain would pray,
O might general penitence
Now prevent the evil day,
All these lowering storms divert,
Heaven engage to take our part!
Sovereign Majesty of heaven,
God most merciful, most high,
Who Thy favourite Son hast given
For a rebel world to die.
Pity on Thy rebels take.
Spare our land for Jesu's sake.
If Thou must in wrath reprove.

Father, make not a full end;
Visit us in pardoning love.

Then Thy pardon'd church defend.
Then let Israers God arise,
Scattering all His enemies.

Far away the aliens chase,
Save the land beloved by Thee,
Bless us, as in ancient days:
Peace, and true prosperity,
Gospel-righteousness restore,
Faith, and life for evermore.