Jehovah Our Righteousness

I

My God, how perfect are thy ways!
  But mine polluted are;
Sin twines itself about my praise,
  And slides into my prayer.

II

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.

III

Divine desire, that holy flame,
  Thy grace creates in me;
Alas! impatience is its name
  When it returns to thee.

IV

This heart, a fountain of vile thoughts,
  How does it overflow!
While self upon the surface floats,
  Still bubbling from below.

V

Let others in the gaudy dress
  Of fancied merits shine,
The Lord shall be my righteousness,
  The Lord for ever mine.