While he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said,
Genesis 19:16–17Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.
Words: Benjamin Beddome (1717–1795). Published posthumously in Hymns Adapted to Public Worship (London: Burton & Briggs, 1818), number 333.
Music: York. Melody from the Scottish Psalter, 1615. Harmony by John Milton, Sr. (1562–1647) (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Beddome (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
This world is all enchanted ground,
O whither shall I fly?
The vengeful flames are kindling round,
And if I stop, I die.
When some kind hand has brought me forth,
How lingering is my pace!
Lord, either drive me by Thy wrath,
Or draw me by Thy grace.
O let me not a moment waste,
On this destructive plain;
Hence let me flee with greater haste,
Till I the Zoar gain.
