O My God, possess my soul with such an ardent love of Thee, so buoyant above all other affections, that no one may ever come in competition with it; such a love as may not only subdue all other affections, but purify and make them innocent; such a love as may create in my soul a perpetual pleasure in the contemplation of Thee, and a continual thirst after Thee; a love which may transport soul with Thy divine perfections, and paint there such bright ideas of Thy glorious majesty, that none of the trifling pleasures and temptations of this world may be able to make on it the least impression. And as, my gracious lord, Thou hast given me much, and forgiven me much, so raise my love to a degree proportionable to Thy bounty and mercy—Amen.

Charles How (1661–1745).