Psalms, carefully suited to the Christian worship in the United States of America ‎#203

203. The magistrate's psalm

1 Mercy and judgment 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 heav'nly 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 honor, wealth and trust;
The men that work thy holy will
Shall be my friends and fav'rites still.]

6 In vain shall sinners hope to rise
By flattering or malicious lies;
Nor, while th' 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 judgment are my song
• Title: The magistrate's psalm
• Meter: Long Metre
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1791
• Scripture:
  Psalm 101

Tune Information

(No tune information)