The World's Sun Set

The children of Israel were instructed to wear a ribbon of blue (heavenly color) upon the fringe of the borders of their garments, (Num. 15:38) down where their garments touched the earth. So we should carry our heavenly principles down to where we come in contact with this work, maintaining separation from it refusing its objects, principles and associations. "The whole world lieth in wickedness" and "now is the judgment of this world." 1 John 5:19; John 12:31. It is not what it seems to be, but what the cross of Christ has made it. God is not trying to improve it, but Christ is choosing people out of it. When Lord Byron died, Sir Walter Scott, his contemporary, upon hearing it exclaimed. "It's as though the sun had gone out." This is what took place when Jesus, the light of the world died on the cross. This world's sun set there, and ever since, this world has been a dark place, the valley of the shadow of death. (His death: compare Psa. 22 and 23.)
That which professes His name has gone in the way of Cain, and the way of Cain is the course of this world. Cain slew his brother, then went out and built cities and Red the earth with music and song. Has that which professes Christ's name the character of one betrothed to a man who hung on a cross? The Apostle reproaches the saints of Corinth for "reigning as kings." To what indictment should we be subject? Have we mourned His absence yet? Have we walked with a widowed heart? Have we cast our lot in with Him at cost and loss anti suffering and shame? Have we walked with Him in white? (Rev. 3:4.) Have we, like Rebekah, gone forth leaving all behind, to cross a trackless waste, inspired by the blessed prospect of seeing Him face to face, of being clasped to His heart, never to part?