Here is a most valiant pilgrim nearing home! By the mercy of Christ he can
look back upon a brave day, and there's a fine hopeful light in the
evening sky.
He has fought well! "_I have fought a good fight._" And his has been a
hard field. The enemy has ever regarded him as a leader in the army of the
Lord and against him has the fiercest fight been waged. But he has never
lost or stained his flag.
And he has run well! "_I have finished my course._" There was no
melancholy turning back when the feverish start had cooled. There was no
shrinking when the biting wind of malice and persecution swept across his
track. On and on he ran, with increasing speed and ardour, until he
reached the goal.
And well had he guarded his treasure! "_I have kept the faith._" He was
the custodian of "unsearchable riches," and he watched, day and night,
lest any infernal burglar should despoil him of his wealth. He guarded his
gospel, his liberty, his hope, as the sentinels guard the crown jewels in
the Tower.
And now the hard day is nearly over. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a
crown of righteousness which the Lord will give me at that day."