My God! how perfect are thy ways!

JEHOVAH our righteousness 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.