Lord, who shall to thy courts repair

Verse 1

LORD! who shall to thy Courts repair, And, crown'd with Bliss, inhabit there? Oh! who shall find that late Retreat? Not Stranger-like awhile to stay, As, those who transient Visits pay; But fix with thee a lasting Seat?

Verse 2

'Tis he whose pure unspotted Heart, Doth pure and spotless Thoughts impart, Whose Deeds by Rules of Virtue move: 'Tis he whose Words are soft and meek, Whose gen'rous Tongue disdains to speak The Thing his Heart doth not approve.

Verse 3

Who never Slander whisper'd round, His Neighbour's spotless Fame to wound, Or wrapt his Thoughts in mean Disguise; Who never lent a list'ning Ear, The keen provoking Strokes to hear, Of bold Reproach or secret Lies.

Verse 4

Who Vice in all her Pomp array'd, With Wealth and Honours full display'd, Can nobly treat with just Neglect; And Piety, tho' set aside, For scornful Sinners to deride, Doth with religious Zeal respect.

Verse 5

Who to his plighted Vows and Trust, With Heart inviolably just, Hath evermore unshaken stood; Whose Soul by Usury disdains To heap up ill-acquired Gains, Nor hath, for Bribes, sought guiltless Blood.

Verse 6

The Man, who by this steady Course, Hath shunn'd the Sting of keen Remorse, And inward Happiness insur'd; Tho' Earth's from her Foundation shake, And troubled Nature loudly quake, Shall stand by Providence secur'd.