What mortals so pursue

(Gleanings from the Inner Life of Ruth Bryan)

 My Jesus is my rest and refreshing, in all my
weariness. As I lean on Him--I triumph. When
I confer with flesh, and look to creatures--I get
shame and loss.
`
I have now earnest desires for new commitment to
a precious Christ, as my all in all; that the shadowy
things of time may less cumber me, however contrary
to flesh; and to live Christ be my one concern.

Now I yield up all to You, and myself to follow afresh
hard after You, and afresh to "count all things but loss"
for Your sake. Oh, my beloved, my all-lovely Savior,
You are gain, and gain enough. My precious Jesus, Your
fellowship is what I seek; and for it give up as rubbish,
what mortals so pursue:
  riches,
  honor,
  appearance,
  fleshly indulgence.

I desire a quiet, secluded life--little with the world,
much with Jesus. Come, with Your conquering charms,
and all-absorb this longing soul of mine!

"Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with
 the priceless gain of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.
 I have discarded everything else, counting it all as
 garbage, so that I may have Christ." Philippians 3:8