Keep It Too

Oh that mine eyes might closèd be 

To what becomes me not to see; 

That deafness might possess mine ear, 

To what concerns me not to hear; 

That Truth my tongue might always tie, 

From ever speaking foolishly; 

That no vain thought might ever rest, 

Or be conveived in my breast;

That by each word, each deed, each thought,

Glory may to my God be brought.

But what are wishes! Lord, mine eye

On thee is fix'd, to thee I cry;

Oh purge out all my dross, my tin,

Make me more white than snow within;

Wash Lord, and purify my heart,

And make it clean in every part;

And when 'tis clean, Lord keep it too,

For that is more than I can do.

(a prayer of Thomas Elwood; detail from photo by @mimg via unsplash.com)