Hymns for the Nation, 16

God, who wouldst a world forgive,
Offerest all sufficient grace;
All may in Thy Son believe.
Numbers do Thy Son embrace;
Numbers saved, from every sect,
Form the church of Ihy elect,
Scatter'd o'er the earth they lie,
Sheep with wolves encompass'd round,
Guided by their Shepherd's eye,
Safe they in the fold are found:
Angels all their steps attend,
Serve, and keep them to the end.
When Thy judgments are abroad.
Them Thou kindly dost conceal,
Hidden in the ark of God,
Shelter'd, they in Zoar dwell;
Find a sanctuary prepared.
Find Omnipotence their guard.
Poor, and mean, whom all reject.
Persecute or else despise,
They their enemies protect,
Stay the vengeance of the skies:
Till Thou hast secured Thine own,
Stands the world for them alone.
States and empires rise, or fall,
Stands the church till time shall end,
Waiting for the Bridegroom's call.
Listening, longing to ascend.
Fair, and spotless, and complete,
Jesus in the clouds to meet.
When the number is fulfill'd,
When the righteous are brought home.
When the mystery is seal'd.
Then the world shall meet its doom.
Earth burn'd up in smoke exj ire.
Sinners in eternal fire.