Thou God of love, thou ever-blest,
Pity my suff’ring state;

Or, A Devout Wish for Peace

Thou God of love, thou ever-blest,
      Pity my suff’ring state;
When wilt thou set my soul at rest
      From lips that love deceit?

Hard lot of mine! my days are cast
      Among the sons of strife,
Whose never-ceasing brawling waste
      My golden hours of life.

O might I fly to change my place,
      How would I choose to dwell
In some wide lonesome wilderness,
      And leave these gates of hell!

Peace is the blessing that I seek,
      How lovely are its charms!
I am for peace; but when I speak,
      They all declare for arms.

New passions still their souls engage,
      And keep their malice strong:
What shall be done to curb thy rage,
      O thou devouring tongue!

Should burning arrows smite thee through
      Strict justice would approve;
But I had rather spare my foe,
      And melt his heart with love.

~ Isaac Watts