The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1907-01-09
A DREAM OF HEAVEN.
what 1t Means to the Storm Tossed
Weary Land.

Every enllgnGsHeu sooA WIZ Aas
never given the matter serious
thought, has soma conception, some
ideal o. heaven. There bs many, to
whose imagination the representation
sppears dim, intangible, imnansur
able, but an elYsium OF grandeur,
riches and indolepce. Humanity
striving for the 10y 1t longs to reach
In the beyond, hopes to attain all
things denied and sought for through
out life. TO the lonely, starving
heart, heaven means love, satisfying
tnefable love. To the poor, weary
and oyerburdened, freedom from toll
and trouble, to the wayfarer, earth.
ward and without where to lay his
head, the hope Of home with its com.
forts and delights. TO the obscure,
but deserving, the "poor In spirit, !"
recognition and the promise Of reward
richly fulfilled. TO the shepherd
out on the bleak hillsides, searching
for lost ones, guiding them into the
king dom, 1t is the sheltered fold from
which bis flock shall never stray. To
the storm. tossed, soul. broken by Sor.
row, and wrecked by hardship too
heavy 20 be borne, heaven means-
rest-one long, sweet, peaceful, ever
lasting rest. What a balm tor the
weary and heavy.laden, what q cure
for Ills and affections.
People often wonder, and express
concern about the heavenly home,
and what it shall be like, but for me,
says 3 deeply pious but terribly : ii CT
ed soul, I shall not care what abodes
others may choose amoDe the glories
of the celestial city, my own little re-
!uge has long been prepared and Is
awaiting me. Years ago, in 8 time
Ct heart breaking anguish. wss ner'
nitted to behold 1t, as one may look
upon a beautiful picture from afsr
and through years Of sff1lction and In
times Of deepest trial, it come to me
a living reality, solace, q Joy and q
glorious hope that shall be realized
ahen. the gates are opened for me. l l
have no desire for the mansions OF
pearl and crystal, . marble palace,
whose steps lead down to golden
streets, possess no charms for me. l
| would not wish to dwell Iesr the
glittering, jeWeled gates, where
multitudes tnIong the Way. 1t may
e ms before shall be permitted to
see the great white throne, Q: to heal
the sweet, gentle voice OF The Lamb
OF God.
It takes an eternity to see and en-
joy the beauties Of heaven, and so il
shat time OF waiting and Of plepara
zion, I shall have little, 1esreat
where my soul shall rest. free from
pain, from toll ard so1row. It Is
little, quiet nook, nestled within ar
arm of the hills, that embrace the
green pastures. There Is 10 shelter
or roof, for none is needed; the
warmth OF heavenly sunlight makes
1t one long SUE nsr day. The ethel
shove is as blue as sapphire, and ths
yerdure of the hills and valley Sof1
and shimmering as the 1sIest velVet
strewn with myriad scented dowerl
OF wondrous beauty and bloom. II
the distance echoes the song OF birds
and the music Of children's voices ant
shove all hovers the pure spirit O
peace and sweet 1epose. Into tha
little secluded valley I shall ente
some day, when I have earned to-
} heavenly rest. Then indeed, will o
happiness and rejoicing, when tn
felicity SO long desired shall oe at
tanned. There viii be no burdens
no heartaches, no tears, nothing ou
!, rest and peace foreVermors. Ibis
! than, Is my earthly consolation, N
sustaining hope, dream OF heaven.