EMPTIED of earth I long to be, Of sin, of self, and all but Thee; Wholly reserved for Christ that died, Surrendered to the Crucified.
Withdrawn from all the noise and strife, The lust, the pomp and pride of life; For Heaven alone my heart prepare, And have my conversation there.
Nothing, save Jesus, would I know; My friend and my companion Thou! Lord, seize my heart, assert Thy right, And put all other loves to flight.
All idols—tread beneath Thy feet, And to Thyself the conquest get: Let sin no more oppose my Lord, Slain by the Spirit’s two-edged sword.
Greater communion let me prove With Thee, blest object of my love; But O, for this no power have I; My strength is at Thy feet to lie.
Augustus Montague Toplady, 1740-78