The Tenth of January

I HAVE WAITED . . . --- Genesis 49:18.

"I have waited for thy salvation, O Lord." --- Genesis 49:18.

Many have received comfort from these words in death, and waited in faith for their salvation. The thoughtless and impenitent wait only for temporal prosperity in their lives, and therefore cannot expect eternal bliss: but on the contrary, a dreadful judgment after death.

Oh, that they would enter into themselves this very day, that at the eve of life they might, like Jacob and Simeon, depart in peace! We will not, therefore, look for any earthly things, but for the Saviour, who is already come, who will grant us his salvation, his aid and deliverance in life and death, and will conduct us safely at last, though we should wait some time for his help.

Yes, my Redeemer, they who wait, depend upon, and hope in thee shall not be ashamed. Grant us only faith and patience, that we may wait on thee from one morning watch to another; and, enduring all things, make the whole course of our lives one perpetual expectation of thy aid; and may we ever abundantly experience thy help and salvation, especially at our latter end.

Christ's own soft hands shall wipe the tears
From every weeping eye;
And pains and groans, and griefs and fears
And death itself shall die.

How long, dear Saviour, oh how long
Shall this bright hour delay?
Fly swiftly round, ye wheels of time,
And bring the welcome day.