Morning, August 6, edited from Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening

“Watchman, how far gone is the night?” — Isaiah 21:11

What enemies are abroad? Deceptions are a countless swarm, 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 myself climb the watchtower, and prayerfully keep watch. Our heavenly Protector foresees all the attacks which are about to be made upon us, and when the evil designed us is still just in the desire of Satan, he prays for us that our faith won’t fail, when we are sifted as wheat. Continue Oh gracious Watchman, to forewarn us of our foes, and for Zion’s sake don’t hold your peace.

“Watchman, how far gone is 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 love and careful concern; and now that dead religion and infidelity are both threatening, let us observe the signs of the times and prepare for conflict.

“Watchman, how far gone is the night?” What stars are visible? What precious promises suit our current situation? You sound the alarm, give us the comfort also. Christ, the Northern Star, is ever fixed in his place, and all the stars are secure in the right hand of their Lord.

But watchman, when does the morning come? The Bridegroom delays. Are there no signs of his coming forth as the Sun of Righteousness? Hasn’t the morning star arisen as the promise of day? When will the day dawn, and the shadows flee away? Oh Jesus, if you don’t come in person to your waiting Church this day, yet come in Spirit to my yearning 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,

Oh quickly come, according to thy word.”