AT THE FOURTH WATCH by Llewellyn A. Morrison

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Sep 21, 1904

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 30, No. 37.

AT THE FOURTH WATCH.

By Llewellyn A. Morrison

BY LLEWELLYN A. MORRISON.

"The ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves, for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea." Matt. 14:24, 25.

A BARK, at midnight, on rough waves tossing; A crew, long toiling 'gainst wind and sea; Nor ray, nor shadow the ebon crossing Where Stygian demons beat jubilee; There, darkly down by the bulwarks, bending, The weary oarsmen in silence strain,— And still the shivering spray, descending, Benumbs and drenches with rack and rain; Nor star, nor promise belights the main.

Avaust! Seen dimly where vision falters Against the blackness of doom and dread, Like spirit phantom by Lampian altars, Drawn outward from the sepulchral dead, A human form appeareth, faintly, And dull eyes flash with a stony stare: Is't fiend or seraph, in semblance saintly? The dazed hearts cry unto God in prayer From the sinking depths of a dark despair.

Above the din of the breaking billows, Who hush their tumult to hear the word— Like mother's whisper by restless pillows, O'er weary lov'd ones in slumber stirr'd, Or like the "song in the night" which cheereth The heart by its somnolent serenade, A voice calls gently—yet each one heareth:— "'Tis I, beloved, be not afraid!" He cometh strangely with grace or aid.

With awe and tremor they rise to greet Him— The waves a pavement beneath His feet— While one goes forth at His word to meet Him; "'Tis Christ, the Master," their lips repeat. And lo! around Him, in calm, approaching, The laughing waters in ripples run, And lave His sandals, in love's encroaching: The storm, the darkness and toil are done— The rest, the morning, and peace are won.

Toronto, Canada.