While the Word of God foretelleth
That Man's day is passing fast,
That the long sad reign of Satan
And of sin may soon be past,
May we, conscious of our weakness,
Careful, watchful, prayerful be,
"Midst the perils that foreshadow
Christendom's apostasy.

From the truth to falsehood turning,
Unto darkness from the light,
Though grace still lingers o'er the world
Ever darker falls the night.
Oh the pity!-Men, deluded,
Seek to find on earth their bliss,
To God's glorious gospel blinded
By the smoke from the abyss.

As a chilling wave, lukewarmness
Sweeps o'er Christendom to-day,
While deceiving demon-doctrines
Wield an ever-widening sway.
But, as waxeth worse the evil,
And the darkness denser grows,
God the more His care displayeth,
And the more His grace bestows.

If we should, alas! have wandered,
And our faith have feeble hold,
And the enemy, permitted,
Sifts the wheat and tests the gold,
Christ's behind it all for blessing-
Chastening, searching reins and heart,
Cleansing-for His love desireth
We with Him should have a part.

Though the surging waves of darkness
Threaten, seek to overwhelm,
And our feeble faith may falter,
Christ abideth at the helm,
To the heart o'erfraught and fainting
Comes as balm the Voice divine,
"Fear thou not, for I am with thee;
I have called thee; thou art Mine"
All His own the Shepherd guardeth;
Howsoever the foe assail, Never over e'en the feeblest
Of the flock can He prevail.
Ah! the loving hand that holdeth
Never shall His hold forego-
God omnipotent, our Father,
Mightier than our mighty foe.

Blessed be our God and Father-
Saving, keeping day, by day,
Ministering grace and mercy
All along the desert way!
Blessed be our Lord and Saviour,
Lamb and Priest upon the throne-
Succoring, restoring, guiding,
Watching over all His own!

May we find in Him a covert,
And our portion, day by day;
Praying in the Holy Spirit,
Holding fast the faith alway;
Ever keep ourselves abiding
In the changeless love of God,
Find His mercy all-sufficient-
Till we reach our blest abode.

W. L. G