To wait and watch for Him is what we are called to do. The two words do not carry quite the same thought, and I cannot better explain the difference than by giving an illustration which suggested itself to me when speaking to a company of fishermen. The fleet had all gone to the fishing ground, when a furious and long-continued westerly hurricane burst on them. Rapidly getting in their nets, they had to flee before it. Each day it lasted, took them farther and farther from home, where great anxiety prevailed as to their safety. At length the gale spent itself, the wind veered to the southeast, and the boats made for home.
On their way they managed to get a telegram flung ashore and transmitted: "All safe. Coming home." The good news spread like wildfire through the village, bringing joy to many a troubled bosom. They came at a good Dace. having a fair wind and a flowing tide. The old skipper of the leading craft had a telescope, and as he came within sight of the pier head, he used it. After a good long look he said to his crew, "The whole village is out on the pier watching for us."
As the smack drew rapidly near, the telescope was used again; and this time the skipper was heard to say, half under his breath, "God bless her! the dear old soul," while a tear rolled down his weather-beaten cheek.
"Who do you see?" asked Jim, the mate, who had charge of the tiller. "I see my wife standing at the very pier head, watching for me," and another tear or two fell on the deck.
"Do you see my wife too?" "No, Jim, I cannot see her; maybe she's there, but she's not visible."
By this time the staunch lugsail boat had neared the harbor. and loving salutations had passed between the old couple.
No special greeting had awaited Jim, who, rather dejected, trudged up to the back of the village where lay his home. Peeping in at the window, he saw his wife sitting at the fire, deep in a book. Jim opened the door. She heard the latch, and looking up said, "0 Jim, my dear, I'm glad to see you back; I was waiting for you."
"Very likely, but the skipper's wife was watching for him at the pier head."
God give you and me to be true watchers for the return of His Son.
"Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants." Luke 12:37, 3837Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. (Luke 12:37‑38).