Of mercy, Lord, of judgment, I will sing

Verse 1

Of mercy, Lord, of judgment, I will sing, Thy justice and thy truth, eternal king;

Verse 2

This will I make my firm, my constant rule, Still to improve in wisdom's sacred school, Still on thy kind protection to depend, To keep my hands still clean, my heart unstain'd.

Verse 3

The ways of wickedness I'll scorn to view; The road thy law directs me, I'll pursue; The wily arts of fraudful men I'll hate, Of men who by oppression wou'd be great.

Verse 4

Far from my social hours the froward be; The villain-herd shall ne'er converse with me;

Verse 5

By me the private sland'rer be abhorr'd, The cruel wretch that murders with a word; The haughty proud, whose empty hearts are vain, Whose looks are lofty, I alike disdain ;

Verse 6

While men of open true simplicity Shall to my converse and my board be free; While men, who hate oppression, fraud and wrong, Shall have my favour, and shall serve me long.

Verse 7

Avaunt, ye wicked, that deceive and lie, You're odious to my thought my presence fly;

Verse 8

Yes; all ye impious, hasten quick, away; Sure is my wrath, nor shall I long delay; Of all your guilt the city I will clear; Perdition waits you, and your fate is near.