The 'Nevers' of the Gospel

O Lord, may I

never fail to come to the knowledge of the truth,

never rest in a system of doctrine, however scriptural,

   that does no bring or further salvation,

   or teach me to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts,

   or help me to live soberly, righteously, godly;

never rely on my own convictions and resolutions,

   but be strong in thee and in thy might;

never cease to find thy grace sufficient

   in all my duties, trials and conflicts;

never forget to repair to thee

   in all my spiritual distresses and outward troubles,

   in all the dissatisfactions experience in creature comforts;

never fail to retreat to him who is full of grace and truth,

   the friend that loveth at all times,

   who is touched with feelings of my infirmities,

   who can do exceeding abundantly for me;

never confine my religion to extraordinary occasions,

   but acknowledge thee in all my ways;

never limit my devotions to particular seasons

   but be in thy fear all the day long;

never be godly only on the sabbath or in thy house,

   but on every day abroad and at home;

never make piety a dress but a habit,

   not only a habit but a nature,

   not only a nature but a life.

Do good to my by all they dispensations,

   by all means of grace,

   by worship, prayers, praises,

And at last let me enter that world where is no temple,

   but only thy glory and the Lamb's.

From The Valley of Vision