The Sun is Setting by John G. Matteson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 4, 1875

The Sun is Setting.

By John G. Matteson

THE sun of mercy is setting. Probationary time will soon be no more. If we desire to work for God we must do it now; for the night cometh when no man can work. It may be night before we think. The thread of life is brittle. Our existence is uncertain. The gates of death are wide open. Every hour of time carries three thousand six hundred souls into the prison-house of death. It would be no wonder if the angel of death should knock at our door next.

Wonderful things transpire around us in nature, among the kingdoms and nations in the world, and among the people of God. The prophetic chains are coming to an end, link after link. The signs of the time give light to believers. The warning voice of God sounds with great solemnity. The last message of mercy exhorts us to be in earnest and to work with great diligence. Christians have slept long enough on the enchanted ground.

The sun of mercy is sinking fast. The night of sorrows is coming swiftly. The lukewarm must soon be spewed out of the mouth of Jesus. Awake, thou that sleepest! If you intend to serve Jesus, serve him now. If you want to bear the cross with Jesus, bear it now. If you desire to crucify the old man—to overcome evil passions and habits—do it now. Do not delay. Take hold of this matter in earnest. Be honest with yourself and before God, lest you find yourself on the left side at last and hear the terrible words addressed to you: “Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire!”

Satan is often moderate, when it serves his purpose. He does not demand the whole heart, but only a small corner—a small place for a small throne. His request does not look unreasonable. Perhaps you do also retain a little sympathy for him from former days on account of old acquaintance. How long shall this continue? You play a dangerous game. You are in constant danger of losing the crown of glory.

Are you ready for the coming of Christ? Answer to your own satisfaction before God. Answer yes or no. If you are not ready, 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 will you wait before you obtain heavenly grace enough to make the flame of love burn brightly in your heart? How long before your lamp shall be trimmed and burning, well filled with oil, so that you can meet the coming Bridegroom with joy? Alas, how sad, if the lamp goes out. Where is then the fruit of your prayers and sacrifices and confessions, when you find yourself sinking in the terrible waves of the lake of fire?

Do you say that you can do no more than you do? Consider this point well. Your Saviour has told you to resist unto blood. Do you remember what he has done for you? Behold his sacred head, crowned with thorns, bowed down in the last death-struggle under the burden of your sins. Behold the Lamb of God, that beareth the sin of the world. Do you hear his last cry of agony, “My God, my God! why hast thou forsaken me?” Was your Saviour in earnest? Do you think he struggled hard for you? Then you can also struggle for him.

Consider how hard you can work and how much you can suffer for your worldly interests. Are you as diligent in spiritual things? Are you more interested in preparing to meet your God than in any earthly affair? Then you can also struggle. Then you can pray. And how earnest your prayers will be. They will enter into the sanctuary and bring down rich blessings. Then you will not rest until rays of heavenly light illuminate your heart. The heavenly flame of love will be kindled within, and your soul will long for the blissful home, the eternal rest in the kingdom of Heaven, the angelic society around the throne of Jesus, where the pure in heart shall see God.

Then you can suffer with Jesus, when the heart is warm with his wonderful love. Then you can overcome sin, deny self, and work for the glory of God and the salvation of precious souls.

Dear reader, the sun of mercy is setting. If you intend to work for Jesus, do it now. Soon it will be too late. And may the Lord preserve your whole spirit and soul and body blameless unto the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. JOHN G. MATTESON.