The Sun Is Setting by John Matteson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 8, 1875

The Sun Is Setting.

By John Matteson

The sun of mercy is setting. The time of probation is fast closing. If we desire to do anything in the service of God, it must be done soon. The night comes when no man can work. It approaches more swiftly than we are aware. Our life also hangs by a brittle thread. Our existence is one of uncertainty. The gates of hades are wide open. Every hour carries 3600 human beings to the tomb. We must not marvel if the angel of death should knock at our door next.

Wonderful events are transpiring around us in nature, among the kingdoms and nations of this world, and among the people of God. The prophetic chains are being completed, link after link. The signs of the times illuminate the pathway of the saints. The warning voice of God is sounding with solemnity. The last message of mercy calls for earnestness and uncommon diligence. The remnant of God’s people have slumbered too long on the enchanted ground. The sun of mercy is fast sinking. The night of sorrow—the day of Judgment—approaches with giant-steps. The lukewarm will soon be spewed out of the mouth of the Lord.

Awake, awake! If you want to serve God, serve him now. If you intend to suffer with Christ, do it now. If you mean to gain the victory over the corrupt desires and habits of the old man, make a full surrender now. Make no delay. Take hold of this matter in earnest. Be honest before God and to yourself. Otherwise you may soon be placed on the left hand, and be compelled to listen to those terrible words: “Depart from me, ye cursed!”

Satan is often moderate when he can advance his own devices. He does not ask for the whole heart, only a small corner—a little room for a small throne. His request does not appear so unreasonable. You sympathize also some with him on account of old acquaintance. How long shall this continue? You undertake a dangerous work. You are in danger of losing the crown of glory.

Are you prepared for the coming of our Lord? Answer the question, yes or no. If you are not prepared, how long will you wait before you wash your robe in the blood of the Lamb, and cleanse your character from the stains of sin? How long before you will fill your soul with heavenly love, so that you can rejoice to meet the coming King? What will you do when your lamp goes out? What will all your prayers and sacrifices amount to when at last you sink into the lake of fire?

Do you say that you can do no more than you do? Consider this seriously. Your Saviour tells you to resist unto blood, striving against sin. Remember what he has done for you. Behold his sacred head, crowned with thorns. Behold him in the agony of death, groaning under the burden of your sins. Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away (or beareth) the sins of the world. Listen to his last agonizing cry: “My God, my God! why hast thou forsaken me?” Do you think Jesus had to put forth strong efforts to bear your sins? Then you must also make strong efforts to overcome them.

Consider how you can toil and endure to advance your temporal interests. Do you show as much diligence in spiritual things? Are you more interested in preparing to meet your God than to attend to your earthly affairs? Then you can labor for the Lord, and you can pray in earnest. Then you can break through all darkness and hindrances. Then you will not rest before rays of precious light from the sanctuary illuminate your mind. Then you can suffer with Christ and labor for him, when the heart is warmed up with his infinite love. Then you can subdue self and glorify God in trying to save sinners.

Dear reader, the sun of mercy is setting. If you mean to do anything for Jesus do it now before it is too late. May God sanctify you wholly, and “your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

JOHN MATTESON.