1 Of Mercy's never-failing spring,
And stedfast judgment I will sing;
And, since they both to thee belong,
To thee, O Lord, address my song.

2 When, Lord, thou shalt with me reside,
Wise discipline my reign shall guide;
With blameless Life myself I'll make
A pattern for my court to take.

3 No ill design will I pursue,
Nor those my fav'rites make that do;
4 Who to reproof has no regard,
Him will I totally discard.

5 The private slanderer shall be
In public justice doom'd by me:
From haughty looks I'll turn aside,
And mortify the heart of pride.

6 But honesty, call'd from her cell,
In splendor at my court shall dwell:
Who virtue's practice make their care,
Shall have the first preferments there.

7 No politics shall recommend
His country's foe to be my friend:
None e'er shall to my favour rise
By flatt'ring or malicious lies.

8 All those who wicked courses take,
An early sacrifice I'll make;
Cut off, destroy, till none remain
God's holy city to profane.