1 My God, how perfect are thy ways!
But mine polluted are;
Sin twines itself about my praise,
And slides into my prayer.
2 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.
3 Divine desire, that holy flame,
Thy grace creates in me;
Alas! impatience is its name
When it returns to thee.
4 This heart, a fountain of vile thoughts,
How does it overflow!
While self upon the surface floats,
Still bubbling from below.
5 Let others in the gaudy dress
Of fancied merits shine,
The Lord shall be my righteousness,
The Lord for ever mine.