Watch, Ye Saints

“Watch, Ye Saints” is a solemn and expectant Advent hymn written by Phoebe Palmer, a well known nineteenth century American Methodist leader, writer, and advocate of the holiness movement. The hymn is more fully known by its opening line, “Watch, ye saints, with eyelids waking,” and it reflects the strong emphasis on watchfulness and readiness that characterized Palmer’s devotional theology.

The hymn is firmly rooted in the words of Christ concerning His return. Its repeated call to watchfulness echoes the biblical warnings that the day of the Lord will come suddenly and that believers are to live in constant spiritual readiness. Rather than encouraging fear, the hymn urges alert faith, calling Christians to remain awake in prayer, obedience, and hope.

A prominent theme of the hymn is expectancy. Christ’s coming is presented as certain and imminent, and this expectation shapes the believer’s daily life. The text challenges complacency and spiritual sleep, reminding the church that the promise of Christ’s return carries with it a call to holiness and perseverance. This reflects the broader holiness teaching of Phoebe Palmer, which emphasized full devotion to God in anticipation of eternal fellowship with Him.

The hymn also highlights the joy and triumph associated with the Second Advent. While the call to watch is serious, it is joined with longing and love for Christ’s appearing. The coming of the Lord is portrayed not merely as an event of judgment, but as the fulfillment of hope for those who remain faithful.

“Watch, Ye Saints” has been included in numerous Adventist, Methodist, and evangelical hymnals, where it continues to serve as a reminder of the biblical command to remain spiritually awake. Its enduring message calls believers in every generation to live with eyes open, hearts prepared, and faith anchored in the sure promise, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus.”