Devotion

GOD OF MY END,

It is my greatest, noblest pleasure
    to be acquainted with thee
    and with my rational, immortal soul;
It is sweet and entertaining
  to look into my being
  when all my powers and passions
  are united and engaged in pursuit of thee,
  when my soul longs and passionately breathes
  after conformity to thee
  and the full enjoyment of thee;
No hours pass away with so much pleasure
    as those spent in communion with thee
  and with my heart.
O how desirable, how profitable to the Christian life
  is a spirit of holy watchfulness
  and godly jealousy over myself,
  when my soul is afraid of nothing
  except grieving and offending thee,
    the blessed God, my Father and friend,
  whom I then love and long to please,
  rather than be happy in myself!
Knowing, as I do, that this is the pious temper,
  worthy of the highest ambition, and closest
    pursuit of intelligent creatures
    and holy Christians,
  may my joy derive from glorifying and
    delighting thee.
I long to fill all my time for thee,
  whether at home or in the way;
  to place all my concerns in thy hands;
  to be entirely at thy disposal,
  having no will or interest of my own.
Help me to live to thee for ever,
  to make thee my last and only end,
  so that I may never more in one instance
    love my sinful self.

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