Privileges in Christ

From the Valley of Vision prayer book:

"How great are my privileges in Christ Jesus!

Without him I stand far off, a stranger, an outcast;

in him I draw near and touch his kingly sceptre.

Without him I dare not lift up my guilty eyes;

in him I gaze upon my Father-God and friend.

Without him I hide my lips in trembling shame;

in him I open my mouth in petition and praise.

Without him all is wrath and consuming fire;

in him all is love, and the repose of my soul. 

Without him is gaping hell below me, and eternal anguish;

in him its gates are barred to me be his precious blood.

Without him darkness spreads its horrors in front;

in him an eternity of glory is my boundless horizon.

Without him all within me is terror and dismay;

in him every accusation is charmed into joy and peace.

Without him all things external call for my condemnation;

in him they minister to my comfort

and are to be enjoyed with thanksgiving.

Praise be to thee for grace,

and for the unspeakable gift of Jesus."