490 MEMOIR OF GEORGE WILSON. CHAP. XL 



and thus at eleven P.M. was his wish fulfilled, and he entered 

 into the rest for which he had so longed. Kneeling around the 

 bed, a thanksgiving was offered, that for him the Saviour's 

 prayer was answered, " Father, I will that they also, whom thou 

 hast given me, be with me where I am ;" and then the pent-up 

 agony broke forth, for to each had this beloved one been dearer 

 than life. 



Many years before had such a time been pictured to his mind 

 as follows : 



THE CHRISTIAN SOLDIER PUTTING OFF HIS ARMOUR AT THE 

 GATES OF HADES. 



EPH. vi. 13-17. 

 A SONG OF THE NIGHT DURING SICKNESS. 



Helmet of the hope of rest ! 



Helmet of salvation ! 

 Nobly has thy towering crest 



Pointed to this exaltation. 

 Yet I will not thee resume, 

 Helmet of the nodding plume ; 

 Where I go no foeman tightetli, 

 Sword or other weapon smiteth ; 

 All content, I lay thee down, 

 I shall gird my brows with an immortal crown. 



Sword at my side ! Sword of the Spirit ! 



Word, of God ! Thou goodly blade ! 

 Often have I tried thy merit ; 



Never hast thou me betrayed. 

 Yet I will no further use thee, 

 Here for ever I unloose thee ; 

 Branch of peaceful palm shall be 

 Sword sufficient now for me ; 

 " Fought the fight, the victory won," 

 Rest thou here, thy work is done. 



Shield of faith ! my trembling heart 



Well thy battered front has guarded ; 

 Many a fierce and fiery dart 



From my bosom thou hast warded. 

 But I shall no longer need thee, 

 Never more will hold or heed thee. 

 Fare-thee-well ! the foe's defeated, 

 Of his wished-for victim cheated ; 

 In the realms of peace and light 

 Faith shall be exchanged for sight. 



