The Poetry Corner

Jehovah Our Righteousness. - Jeremiah xxiii.6.

By William Cowper

My God, how perfect are thy ways! But mine polluted are; Sin twines itself about my praise, And slides into my prayer. 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. Divine desire, that holy flame Thy grace creates in me; Alas! impatience is its name, When it returns to thee. This heart, a fountain of vile thoughts, How does it overflow! While self upon the surface floats, Still bubbling from below. Let others in the gaudy dress Of fancied merit shine; The Lord shall be my righteousness, The Lord for ever mine.