Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1872-07-25
L Ann Going Home.

What a world of meaning in those
words? What music to a wanderers ear.
How it quickens our pulses and sends
memory surging back, bringing on its re-
turn over the books and Quicksands of
time the recollection of the happy days of
yOre.
Home, dearest spot on earth, around
which cluster and centre our best thoughts
and wishes, for there dwell the dear ones.
Il am going home," says the schoolboy
as he rests his head upon his hand, and
with open book before him endeavors to
commit to memory the lesson for the NOR
row; but memory is wandering far away
to the happy days long since past, carry
ing him back to his childhood's home. his
early associates, and his book is n perfect
blank.
II am going home." says the merchant,
rising from his chair. and closing the
ledgers which have occupied his atten-
ton through the long. weary day.
He gives Il few orders to his clerks, and
drawing on his coat hastens 10 meet the
loved ones. The smile that plays around
his mouth speaks plainly of the pleasure
he is anticipating i'll the reunion.
II am going home,'' says the sailor on
the wide ocean, as he pace to and fro up
on the deck of his homeward bound ves-
sci.
The waves dash high against the side of
the ship, and breaking scatter their tiny
drops around; he hecds them not, is un-
conscious that the wind is screechlng
through the masts aud threatening to
hurl him beneath the rolling waves. His
thoughts are far away, ana lifting his
hand to screen his eyes from the glarlng
sunlight, gazes with an eEtreating look
for some familiar token in the distance to
indicate that he is nearing home. In
thought the intervening miles have al
ready been travelled. and he stands in the
presence of his family. The captain S
r.. L., a
he endeavors to place his mind upon duty;
yet it is in vain, for he is approaching
his native land.
Il am going home," says the wounded
soldier.
Comrades gather around the scathed
and war-wOrn veteran, for one moment
envying him the pleasure ami home care
he so much needs. Within one of our
best hospitals he had received every at
tention the inmates were capable of bes-
towing, but day by day strength declined.
The surgeons recommend cl ange, and
now he is going home. His eyes sparkle
and his flushed cheeks tell of an inward
excitement which thoughts of the future
occasion. Though disease preys upon
him, not happier man can be found i'll
the camp, for those musical words resound
in his ears.
Il am going home." says the dying
Christian. while the body is racked with
pain. No sigh, no complaint. not even a
murmur escapes those parched lips; only
these words, accompanied by heavenly
smile breaking over those wasted features,
'.All is peace; L am going home
Already she realizes what joys are a
waiting her. sees the angels with their
crowns. hears the music, behold her Jesus.
| She is almost home.
We are all going home; we are journey
| ing swiftly down the rugged path of life
| TO our better home-a home unadorned
with earthly objects which perish; not
where our earthly friends will bid us vel
come, but where our heavenly friends
| having been justified, sanctitied and made
fit subjects for such lovely place. will
receive us with songs of praise. n beau
tiful home where there is no night OF
darkness; where temptations never come.
| A home that sin never enters; where nc
| household band is broken, bur where
! Gods smiling cOuntenance lights the city,
making it to shine in rcsplentient glory
The faces of those dwelling there are
never clouded with anger. Harsh words
are never spoken. All, following the
example of Jesus, their faces catching the
light that falls from His, scatter the same
eifulgeut ray around. What a beautiful
home! No tongue has expressed or pen
portrayed the happiness, beauty and glory
| which continually reigns in our mansion
| on hight Who would not wish to bt
accounted worthy to dwell amid its undy
| inc sple ldors?