It Must Be Settled Tonight

A miner in England went to Church one night and became deeply concerned for the salvation of his soul. When the services were ended he refused to leave the house, although the minister told him it was late, and he must go home and seek the Savior there, and come again the next night. No, said the miner, It must be settled to-night, to-morrow night may be too late. So the minister stayed with him until he found peace. The next day while at work in the mines a mass of rock fell on him, and he was killed. His last words were, Thank God, it was settled last night, to-night it would have been too late.

The Finest of Wheat Nos. 1 & 2 Combined, edited by George D. Elderkin (Chicago, Illinois: R. R. McCabe & Co., 1890), number 131

It must be settled tonight,
Tomorrow may be too late;
The angel of death may come,
And seal forever my fate.
It must be settled to-night,
I can no longer wait,
Peace with my God I now must have,
Tomorrow may be too late.

A burden weighs my soul
I can no longer bear;
Unless removed this night,
’Twill sink me into despair.
It must be settled to-night,
I can no longer wait,
Peace with my God I now must have,
Tomorrow may be too late.

I cannot rest till peace
Enfolds me from above,
Till my redeemer speaks to me
Assurance of His love.
It must be settled to-night,
I can no longer wait,
Peace with my God I now must have,
Tomorrow may be too late.

Oh, now I know ’tis done!
My peace is made with God;
My pardon’s found in Jesus’ name,
Thro’ faith in Jesus’ blood.
Oh, now I know ’tis done!
Sweet joy pervades my soul;
Peace with my God I now have found;
His blood hath made me whole.