Text:The Magistrate's Psalm

185b. The Magistrate's Psalm

1 Mercy and judgement are my song;
And since they both to thee belong,
My gracious God, my righteous King,
To thee my songs and vows I bring.

2 If I am rais'd to bear the sword,
I’ll take my counsel from thy word,
Thy justice and thy heavenly grace,
Shall be the pattern of my ways.

3 Let wisdom all my actions guide,
And let my God with me reside;
No wicked thing shall dwell with me,
Which may provoke thy jealousy.

4 No sons of slander, rage and strife
Shall be companions of my life;
The haughty look, the heart of pride
Within my doors shall ne’er abide.

5 [I’ll search the land and raise the just
To posts of honour, wealth and trust;
The men that work thy holy will
Shall be my friends and favourites still.]

6 In vain shall sinners hope to rise
By flattering or malicious lies:
Nor, while the innocent I guard,
The bold offenders e'er be spar'd.

7 The impious crew (that factious band)
Shall hide their heads, or quit the land;
And all that break the public rest,
Where I have pow'r, shall be supprest.

Text Information
First Line: Mercy and judgement are my song
Title: The Magistrate's Psalm
Meter: Long Metre
Language: English
Publication Date: 1787
Scripture:
Topic: Afflicted: their prayer; Family: government; Magistrates: qualifications (3 more...)
Tune Information
(No tune information)



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