Introduction
Words: William Cowper, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), number 67.
Music: St. Agnes John B. Dykes, in Hymnal for Use in the English Church, by John Grey, 1866 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Jeremiah 23:5–6Behold, the days come,
saith Jehovah, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and He shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In His days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is His name whereby He shall be called: Jehovah our righteousness.
Words: William Cowper, Olney Hymns (London: W. Oliver, 1779), number 67.
Music: St. Agnes John B. Dykes, in Hymnal for Use in the English Church, by John Grey, 1866 (🔊 pdf nwc).
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.