(Jeremiah, xxiii.6) <br /> <br />My God, how perfect are Thy ways! <br />But mine polluted are; <br />Sin twines itself about my praise, <br />And slides into my prayer. <br /> <br />When I would speak what Thou hast done <br />To save me from my sin, <br />I cannot make Thy mercies known, <br />But self-applause creeps in. <br /> <br />Divine desire, that holy flame <br />Thy grace creates in me; <br />Alas! impatience is its name, <br />When it returns to Thee. <br /> <br />This heart, a fountain of vile thoughts. <br />How does it overflow, <br />While self upon the surface floats, <br />Still bubbling from below. <br /> <br />Let others in the gaudy dress <br />Of fancied merit shine; <br />The Lord shall be my righteousness, <br />The Lord forever mine.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/jehovah-our-righteousness/
