p. 130 | Why Will Ye Die? by R. F. Phippeny

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 27, 1866

Why Will Ye Die?

By R. F. Phippeny

How often have I asked myself the question, why is it that there are so many intelligent, thinking people in the world, that are so careless about their eternal interest? The greater part believing too, that they have eternal life to gain or lose.

We learn from the inspired word, that God hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked, and also that, "he is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."

While God is so merciful and kind, extending the hand of sweet mercy and pardon, I entreat you careless sinner, refuse it not. There are but two ways; one leads to eternal life, the other to eternal death. Which will you choose?

Consider well ere you choose the broad and smooth one. Though it may seem pleasant and easy to travel. Though your path may be strewn with flowers, and prosperity may be yours here, it only ends in sorrow and woe at last.

Choose rather the narrow way, that with danger is spread. Though it may be rugged and dark at times, the Saviour has trodden it before you, and is ready and willing to aid you on your journey.

You who have heard, and are still hearing the last note of warning, the last solemn cry of lingering mercy, and of preparation, before the trumpet shall sound, turn not a deaf ear! Trust not in days to come for preparing to meet your God; for it has been well said, "Procrastination is the thief of time."

You do not know that you have another moment that you can call your own. The present is only yours. Improve it I conjure you. O, turn from the alluring scenes of earth! We are living in a fearful age. The age of sin and crime. But the race will soon be run. The 6,000 years allotted to man after the great transgression are nearly gone. Soon will the storm burst over our heads. And amidst the last loud crash, will you and I dear reader be hid from the fierce wrath of the Almighty? We may be if we will.

That awful day will surely come, and very near it is, too, when we shall have to stand before the great Judge.

"Now while pardon's last hour is expiring in Heaven, And the last gracious call is on earth being given, O haste! sinner, haste! leave thy sinful behavior, The commandments embrace, and the faith of the Saviour.

"He's prepared thee a home—sinner, canst thou believe it? And invites thee to come—sinner, wilt thou receive it? O come, sinner, come, for the time is receding, And the Saviour will soon, and forever cease pleading."

R. F. PHIPPENY.

Ithaca, Mich.