Isaiah 21:11

Guard, how much of the night is left? How much longer will it be night?

What enemies are abroad? Errors are a numerous horde, and new ones appear every hour: against what heresy am I to be on my guard? Sins creep from their lurking places when the darkness reigns. I must mount the watch-tower myself, and watch with prayer. Our heavenly Protector foresees all the attacks which are about to be made upon us, and when evil is planned against us by Satan, he prays for us, that when we are sifted as wheat, our faith will not fail. Continue O gracious Watchman, to forewarn us of our foes. For Zion's sake, do not stay quiet.

"Watchman, what of the night?" What weather is coming for the Church? Are the clouds lowering, or is it all clear and fair overhead? We must care for the Church of God with anxious love; and now that secularism, heathenism and infidelity are threatening the Church, let us observe the signs of the times and prepare for conflict.

"Watchman, what of the night?" What stars are visible? What precious promises suit our present case? You sound the alarm, but give us consolation also. Christ, the polestar, is ever fixed in his place, and all the stars are secure in the right hand of their Lord.

But watchman, when comes the morning? The Bridegroom tarries. Are there no signs of his coming forth as the Son of Righteousness? Has not the morning star arisen as the pledge of day? When will the day dawn, and the shadows flee away? O Jesus, if you don't come today, in person to your waiting Church, please come in Spirit to my sighing heart, and make it sing for joy.

• "Now all the earth is bright and glad
• With the fresh morn;
• But all my heart is cold, and dark and sad:
• Sun of the soul, let me behold thy dawn!
• Come, Jesus, Lord,
• O quickly come, according to thy word."