O, Lord I am astonished at the difference
between my receivings and my deservings,
between the state I am now in and my past gracelessness,
between the heaven I am bound for and the hell I merit.
Who made me to differ, but thee?
for I was no more ready to receive Christ than were others;
I could not have begun to love thee hadst though not first loved me,
or been willing unless thou hadst first made me so.
-- The Valley of Vision, A collection of Puritan prayers and devotions, edited by Arthur Bennett
This book has been a most-welcome and worthy addition to morning prayer of late. The language is utterly beautiful and inspires my heart to praise, repentance and thankfulness.
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