Yes, Lord, you knew me in my fallen state—and even then you chose me for yourself! When I was loathsome and self-abhorred, you received me as your child. You satisfied my craving wants. Blessed forever be your name for this free, rich, abounding mercy!

Since then, my inner experience has often been a wilderness. But you have owned me still as your beloved. You have poured streams of love and grace into me to gladden me, to make me fruitful. Yes! When my outward circumstances have been at their worst, when I have wandered in a land of drought, your sweet presence has solaced me. Men have not known me when scorn awaited me, but you have known my soul in adversities. No affliction dims the luster of your love!

Most gracious Lord, I magnify you for all your faithfulness to me in trying circumstances. And I deplore that I should at any time have forgotten you—that my heart has been exalted when I have owed all to your gentleness and love. Have mercy upon your servant in this thing!

My soul, if Jesus thus acknowledged you in your low estate, be sure that you own both him and his cause now that you are in prosperity. Do not be lifted up by worldly success so as to be ashamed of the truth—or of the poor church with which you have been associated. Follow Jesus into the wilderness! Bear the cross with him when the heat of persecution grows hot. He owned you, O my soul, in your poverty and shame. Never be so treacherous as to be ashamed of him!

O for more shame at the thought of being ashamed of my best Beloved! Jesus, my soul cleaves to you. "I'll turn to you in days of light, as well as nights of care. You brightest amid all that's bright! You fairest of the fair!"