midnight
Thus the crucial battle of his life was fought while Wiles sat in that little church . Such a struggle comes into many a life . Angels must look upon it with the deepest interest and attention . The crisis may arrive at church or at home , on the high sea or on the land , in a storied mansion or in a little cottage , at the midnight hour or in the open day -- the place or time counts for little , but the result is as wide as eternity . This hour was propitious for Sam Wiles . A proper choice would have revolutionized his character , would have gladdened the angels in heaven , and written his name deep in the `` Book of Life . '' But alas !