Mercy, and judgment, claim my song

Verse 1

Mercy, and judgment, claim my song, From thee alone they spring: Therefore, O Lord, my thankful heart Thy praise shall ever sing.

Verse 2

I'll wisely act, by perfect rules, When I the crown receive; The pattern of an honest heart, To all my court, I'll give.

Verse 3

No perverse thing will I intend; I hate their ill design, Who turn aside from sacred laws; Their works shall not be mine.

Verse 4

The froward, refractory heart, Shall from my presence go; With bad men I'll no friendship make, Nor favor to them show.

Verse 5

The private slanderer, I'll cut off, Who seeks his neighbor's hurt; The haughty look, and proud in heart, I'll banish from my court.

Verse 6

I'll search the land for faithful men, That they may dwell with me; And he that walks in perfect ways, My favorite shall be.

Verse 7

But artful men of fraud, and guile, In my house shall not dwell; Those that addict themselves to lies, I'll from my sight repel.

Verse 8

My early care shall be, to root The wicked from the land; That from thy city, Lord, I may Cut off that impious band.