Since God has thus ordained it so

1 Since God has thus ordain'd it so,
That civil magistrates should be
To rule and govern men below,
As in his sacred word we see.

2 Since such like office I do bear
To execute those civil laws,
May I be wise, just and sincere
To judge aright in ev'ry cause.

3 The Lord, grant me an upright heart,
And with his blessed spirit guide:
To act the just impartial part,
In all what e'er I must decide.

4 From none but thee my God indeed,
Such precious gifts I can obtain,
Nor gain the knowledge that I need
To judge between my fellow-men.

5 For this I pray and humbly ask
My God endow me with thy grace!
And qualify me for the task,
To do my office in my place.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #CCCXIX