Isaiah 21:11

What enemies are active? 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 darkness reigns; I myself must mount the watchtower and watch in prayer. Our heavenly Protector foresees all the attacks that are about to be made upon us, and when the evil intended for us is still only in Satan's desire, He prays for us that our faith does not fail when we are sifted as wheat. Continue, O gracious Watchman, to forewarn us of our foes, and for Zion’s sake do not hold Your 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 situation? You sound the alarm; give us the consolation also. Christ, the polestar, is always 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 You do not come in person to Your 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 morning;
But all my heart is cold, and dark and sad:
Sun of the soul, let me behold Your dawn!
Come, Jesus, Lord,
O quickly come, according to Your word.”