Spurgeon: August AM
* 08/06/AM
"Watchman, what of the night?"
--Isaiah 21:11
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 myself mount the watch-tower, and watch unto
prayer. Our heavenly Protector foresees all the attacks which
are about to be made upon us, and when as yet the evil designed
us is but in the desire of Satan, He prays for us that our faith
fail not, when we are sifted as wheat. Continue O gracious
Watchman, to forewarn us of our foes, and for Zion's sake hold
not thy peace.
"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 Popery and infidelity are both threatening, 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, give us the 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 Sun 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 Thou come not in person to Thy waiting Church this day, yet
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."