Mercy Lingers by John Matteson

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 6, 1866

Mercy Lingers.

By John Matteson

TȘE sun is setting. It has nearly finished its course. In majesty and glory it went forth, and ceased not to shed light and blessings upon all. It heeded not the intervening clouds, nor stopped to notice the proud and scoffing. A few more minutes and its work will be done. The night cometh. Darkness draws near. Angry clouds gather in the horizon. O night, what hast thou in store? Dark future, what wilt thou bring? We know not. But we know the night cometh, and also the morning. Yes, the sun shall once more rise. And with this cheering hope we comfort our hearts as the sun is setting.

Jesus is the Sun of righteousness. Many years ago he

ascended on high, and entered the heavenly sanctuary. In glorious majesty our great high priest commenced his ministration. Peace, grace, and mercy, clustered around his pathway. The early rain refreshed his vineyard. Jesus intercedes, and thousands of sinners become saints, and heirs of glory. Truth, as a mighty river, rolls forth, never to stop in its course till it merges into eternity.

But now dark clouds intervene. Persecution rages. The trembling church must wade through 'great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world.' The man of sin sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Satan is determined to darken entirely the sun of grace but he cannot do it. Far, far above the angry clouds Jesus intercedes, and the clouds of tribulation were never so dark that the divine rays of truth and mercy could not penetrate. The hope of the church was never extinguished. Even when they 'wandered about in sheep-skins and goat-skins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented,' they looked for a 'better resurrection.'

But now Jesus' ministration is nearly finished. He has entered the 'Holiest of all.' He has drawn very near to God. Before the ark, in the awful presence and glory of Jehovah, he is still pleading for poor sinners. Around this as a center, the anxious looks of the children of Zion all gather. In the midst of wars and famines, and the noisy bustle of a busy world, his still, small voice is heard. The sanctuary is being cleansed. The books are opened. The righteous dead must stand in their lot. The Son of man has come in before the Ancient of Days. The kingdom is given to him. The wedding goes on, and soon he will return from the wedding.

The sun of mercy is setting—glorious, serene. Still it lingers. Sweet mercy lingers. A few more minutes and it will sink beneath the horizon. Come, oh come! ye disconsolate. Come ye weary saints, and be refreshed before the night cometh. Work ye idle, while it is called to-day, for the night cometh when no man can work. Come poor sinner and behold this glorious sight. Also for thee doth mercy linger. Also for thee! Refuse not this last gracious call. Oh, choose not death, for why will ye die! Look to Jesus. Still he invites you. Still he is gracious. Still he bids thee look and live.

The night cometh. Awful night, when there is no mediator between God and men. Terrible gloom, when the wrath of God will be poured out without mercy. Prophecy has lifted the veil. It has painted with awful colors the time of trouble such as never was. But oh, we cannot begin to realize the facts. The terrible condition of a world in despair and torment, and the awful situation of God's people when the unmixed wrath is poured out, and they only saved by a miracle; when they shall cry night and day unto God; when one single thought of murmuring would cut them off forever. When they must stand without spot or wrinkle. Oh, solemn thought! Mercy soon lingers no more. The moments of probation are fast closing. The fearful mandate will soon go forth, 'He which is filthy, let him be filthy still, and he that is holy, let him be holy still.'

Yet we look beyond the night. Prophecy points beyond. 'Unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.' We have a glorious and a living hope. This hope will sustain us in the midst of trouble. Jesus will come again. The Saviour will appear. Oh, how anxiously God's people will watch for the first rays of that rising Sun. How they will long for the first sight of the white cloud approaching. How they will gaze with joy and wonder when they behold their Beloved in the midst of ten thousand bright angels. How they will sing and leap for joy as the angels draw near to take them up in the cloud. How they will shout for joy when they shall see Jesus and be like him.

Sweet mercy lingers. Brethren, may its tender notes touch your heart-strings, and awaken chords of harmony. May you drink in deep draughts from the heavenly fountain, while mercy still lingers for you.

JOHN MATTESON.