The Altar Steps by Compton MacKenzie
page 11 of 461 (02%)
page 11 of 461 (02%)
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This was a most encouraging couplet. Mark did not suppose that in the
event of a great emergency--he thanked Mrs. Ewing for that long and descriptive word--the sufferers would be able to do much for him; but the consciousness that all round him in the great city they were lying awake at this moment was most helpful. At this point he once more waited five seconds for sleep to arrive. The next couplet was less encouraging, and he would have been glad to miss it out. _Those who plan some evil_ _From their sin restrain._ Yes, but prayers were not always answered immediately. For instance he was still awake. He hurried on to murmur aloud in fervour: _Through the long night watches_ _May Thine Angels spread_ _Their white wings above me,_ _Watching round my bed._ A delicious idea, and even more delicious was the picture contained in the next verse. _When the morning wakens,_ _Then may I arise_ _Pure, and fresh, and sinless_ _In Thy Holy Eyes._ _Glory to the Father,_ _Glory to the Son,_ _And to thee, blest Spirit,_ |
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