This one
was in the beginning
with God.

All things
through him
became
and without him
became
not one thing which
became

In him
was life;
and the life
was the light of humankind;
and the light shines
in the darkness
and yet the darkness
did not master it

Keep us, O Lord, while we tarry on this earth,
in a serious seeking after thee,
and in an affectionate walking with thee,
every day of our lives;
that when thou comest,
we may be found not hiding our talent,
nor yet asleep with our lamp unfurnished,
but waiting and longing for our Lord,
our glorious King, for ever and ever.

Richard Baxter (1615-1691)