25. Watching

Watching "We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night."—Nehemiah 4:9.

"I will stand upon my watch."—Habakkuk 2:1.

"Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments.- Revelation 16:15. The "Daily News," May 27, in speaking of the border countries, says:" Every parish and township in old times had its watchers of the forts and passes. In the 'Leges Marchiarum,' compiled by William Nicholson, Bishop of Carlisle, we can read the names of the fords and the appointed sentinels. ' First, the watch along the water of Warn, from Warn-mouth to Doxford Burn, William Maners to set one watchman between his house and the Blake dyke,' and so forth. The statesman had to keep a keen eye on the beacon where the fire shone out, when the Scots or Armstrongs crossed the march. 'And whosoever bydes from the fray, or turns again while the beaken burns, shall be holden as partaker to the enemies,' Thea there was quick mounting on horse, tufts of lighted straw were fastened on the spearheads, and the slot dogs were set on the trail." In this manner alone could the inhabitants of the border hold their lands or even their lives, and their condition is a striking picture of the spiritual position of every child of God while yet he sojourns here below. We are in an enemy's country, and that enemy may at any moment pounce upon us to kill and to despoil. We never know at what hour temptation may come, hence we must sleep in armour, and never neglect the watch for a single hour. Each man must watch his own heart, and keep the door of his lips, for it is written," What I say unto you 1 say unto all, Watch."

United watchfulness for the protection of the church, as to its purity, its doctrines, its prosperity, should never be neglected, although it is to be feared that it is seldom thought of. Few seem to keep their eyes open to the general good of the church, but most men leave it to the ministers. It should not be so, but each man should himself be the "watchman between his house and the Blake dyke," pacing to and fro upon his beat, with sleepless vigilance, ready to sound an alarm at any moment. When the enemy draws near, believers should never "byde" from the fray, but each one should take his part in the struggle, like a good soldier of Jesus Christ: and so long as the controversy lasts he must not shun the field, or turn again" while the beacon burns," lest he be "holden as partaker with the enemies." This is a time in which sentinels are peculiarly necessary, and in which sleeping at the post is a seven-fold treachery." Let us not sleep as do others, but let us watch and be sober." The love of peace throws many off their guard. They close their eyes to the errors and sins which are invading the church, and so secure a name for being charitable, but surely it is ill to receive praise for negligence, and obtain favour by compromising truth. If damage be done by our fear of being charged with bigotry, our Lord will call us to account, and it will be a poor consolation to be able to remember that we thereby earned the praises of men. It is no recommendation to a warrior when the king's enemies are enraptured with him, and in our own case here is double reason to watch our ways when the world speaks well of us. Watch your friends as well as your enemies, for our worst foes dwell at home.

"Watch, for the lime is short;

Watch, while 'tis called to-day;

Watch, lest temptation overcome;

Watch, Christian, watch and pray!

Watch, for the flesh is weak;

Watch, for the foe is strong;

Watch, lest the Bridegroom knock in vain;

Watch, though He tarry long!

Chase slumber from thine eyes;

Chase doubting from thy breast;

Thine is the promised prize Of heaven's eternal rest.

Watch, Christian, watch and pray;

Thy Saviour watched for thee, Till from His brow the blood-sweat poured Great drops of agony."