Now one day’s journey less divides Me from the world where God resides; If I have walked by faith, in fear, A stranger and a pilgrim here: I’ve one day less my watch to keep, My foes to fear, my falls to weep: I’ve one day less to see within, Conflict, defeat, remorse, and sin. And, oh! reflect, my fainting soul, Thou’rt one stage nearer to the goal: Thou’rt one stage nearer to the shore, Where thou wilt grieve for sin no more. If the sweet presence of thy God To-day has cheered and blest thy road, Think what must be that glorious place, Where he will never hide his face. If thou hast oft been led astray, And mournfully review’st the day, Still strive the more that rest to attain, Where thou wilt never sin again. If thou hast mourned for friends endeared, Whose converse once thy journey cheered; Think that in heaven no cause will sever The bond which reunites for ever. Let every gift by God bestowed, Each kind refreshment on my road; Let every sorrow, hope, and fear, Incite my soul to persevere. And thou my only help and guide, Than whom I have no help beside; Whose eye beholds me when I fail, Whose arm supports when I prevail; Oh, hear me! grant what I implore; And if on earth I wake no more, Think on my last, my dying prayer; Hear it in heaven, fulfil it there! Since I on thee alone depend, Oh, guide me to my journey’s end; Then bear my soul o’er death’s dark wave, To realms of joy beyond the grave. [Illustration] Wednesday Morning. “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation.” --MATT. xxvi. 41. “Christian! seek not yet repose;” Hear thy guardian angel say; Thou art in the midst of foes-- “Watch and pray!” Principalities and powers, Mustering their unseen array, Wait for thy unguarded hours-- “Watch and pray!” Gird thy heavenly armour on, Wear it ever, night and day; Ambush’d lies the evil one-- “Watch and pray!” Hear the victors who o’ercame, Still they mark each warrior’s way; All, with one sweet voice exclaim-- “Watch and pray!” Hear, above all, hear thy Lord, Him thou lovest to obey; Hide within thy heart his word-- “Watch and pray!” _Watch_, as if on that alone Hung the issue of the day; _Pray_, that help may be sent down-- “Watch and pray!” [Illustration] Wednesday Evening. “Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.” --HEB. xii. 12. O faint and feeble-hearted! Why thus cast down with fear? Fresh aid shall be imparted, Thy God unseen is near.