University of Virginia Library

PSALM CI.

Mercy, Judgement, now my tongue
Makes the subject of its Song:
Lord! to whom then shall I sing,
But to Thee, th' eternal King?
Wisdom shall my footsteps guide,
Nor permit my feet to slide,
Or from Thy All-perfect Way,
Lost in paths of Sin, to stray.
When, O when, celestial Guest,
Shall my roof with Thee be blest?
Lo! my heart with studious care
For thy presence I prepare,
And my Dwelling's full extent
Spotless to thy view present.
Ne'er shall my presumptuous hand
Dare to break thy just Command;
Ne'er within me shalt thou find
Aught that speaks a faithless mind.
Serv'd by none who serve not Thee,
Let me not the Impious see;
Let the wretch of froward heart
From my gate repuls'd depart;
And the Man of lofty eye,
Scornful mien, and stomach high,
And the Tongue to slander bred,
Learn my heaviest wrath to dread.
Come, ye Good and Just, O come,
Sure with Me to find a home:
Pleas'd I see the pious Band
Round my throne attendant stand,
And in sacred homage join
To their own great Lord and mine.
Hence, ye Children of deceit,
From my threshold turn your feet:
Let the soul that dares a lye
Instant from my presence fly.
Soon, O Judah, shall my hand
Root th' offenders from thy Land;
Wrathful seize the rebel train;
And from sin's infectious stain
By my guilt-avenging rod
Purge the City of my God.