How Hurtful Was the Choice of Lot

Lot in Sodom by John Newton

Scripture reference: Gen 13:10


 * 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
 * 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 ling’ring stand,
 * Though vengeance was in view;
 * ’Twas mercy plucked him by the hand,
 * Or he had perished too.


 * The doom of Sodom wilt be ours
 * If to the earth we cleave;
 * Lord, quicken all our drowsy pow’rs,
 * To flee to Thee and live.