Classic Poem

The fair perfection of thy reign
Is endless justice without stain,
O sovereign Lord of Lords!
Thy judgments are exceeding wise,
The threaten'd death, the proffer'd prize,
Thy terrors and rewards!

The words of thy divine command,
Which high above thine altar stand,
That all may kneel and read,
Their truth and righteousness unblam'd,
All laws and rules that e'er were fram'd,
In worth and weight exceed.

My zeal upon my vitals preys,
Because of those perverted ways,
Which all my foes espouse;
Who, while thy statutes they forget,
And with thy goodness run in debt,
Mine indignation rouse.

Thy word in all extremes is try'd,
And can their ordeal flames abide,
More glorious from the proof;
And I, as join'd to thine elect,
With all my soul's desire affect
Its beauty and behoof.

I am but small and of no class,
The meanest of thy saints surpass
My utmost in desert;
Yet will I not thy precept slight,
But with all vehemence and might
Their excellence assert.

Thou art our righteousness declar'd,
And all things are, with thee compar'd,
Ungracious and uncouth,
And thine is the transcendent sway,
Which shall its eminence display
In sempiternal truth.

All bliss and comfort here below,
Thro' sad inquietude and woe,
Upon my spirit pall;
Yet have I joys which never fail,
When to thy word before the veil
With prostrate face I fall.

Thy testimonies are reveal'd
In justice not to be repeal'd,
And to retrench or add
Is not for mortals: O increase
My knowledge, and with endless peace
To transport make me glad