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