Jehovah Our Righteousness

Melody -

William Cowper, 1779, from Olney Hymns, vol. 1, hymn 67

My God! how perfect are thy ways!
But mine polluted are;
Sin twines itself about my praise,
And slides into my prayer.

2. When I would speak what thou hast done
To save me from my sin;
I cannot make thy mercies known
But self-applause creeps in.

3. Divine desire, that holy flame
Thy grace creates in me;
Alas! impatience is its name,
When it returns to thee.

4. This heart, a fountain of vile thoughts,
How does it overflow?
While self upon the surface floats
Still bubbling from below.

5. Let others in the gaudy dress
Of fancied merit shine;
The Lord shall be my righteousness
The Lord for ever mine.

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