“Homeward bound! Such was the thought that struck me as I found beneath my feet the solid boards the vessel which was to bring me back over the Atlantic to the country that had given me a birth-place. And with thoughts of home before one, the heart is naturally filled with joy. There are all the associations the interests, the pleasures peculiar to that place — and these seem to be also the dearer when distance either of space or time has been, experienced. At home there is no sense of stranger ship — to idea of breaking in upon a circle to which one does not belong — no feeling O diversity of interest —no fear of the absence of sympathy or love. Home gives the idea of rest, of repose, of tranquility, of serenity and of joy.
And I was bound homeward. The bow of the vessel pointed there, and each revolution of the machinery brought us so much further on the way. It may be too, that the anticipation of reaching home added its own charm — for in earthly matters “distance lends enchantment” — and the object attained is very seldom equal, in its gratification, to the prospect. Realization comes short of anticipation. Still― home was before me, and each moment sped us on, and the heart was light and buoyant and joyful. Ent in ray reverie, thoughts of another home and of being bound thither filled my heart likewise — a Home true; dearer, more abiding, and, may I say, better known — where the realization will far, far exceed the brightest anticipation―where a rest remains never to be broken — where the eye an never “be dimmed by sorrow, nor the circle broken by Death―a Home more real than any earthly home can be — one “reserved in heaven, incorruptible, and that fadeth not away.”
But whilst on board that vessel, some, like myself, had prospects of home before them others were bound for a land which had, for them, no such comforts. To them all would be strange, unfamiliar, unknown, and perhaps unpleasant. Yet we had all embarked, and on we had to go. And thus a contrast arose in my mind — all are going — some to the glad welcome of a home, others to neither the one nor the other. Again the thought pressed itself on me — All are traveling onward, swiftly, surely — some to yonder bright inheritance prepared for them by the Lord. Others, alas, are bound for the homeless, joyless regions of woe. Solemn embarkation! deeply serious is, the voyage of life. Well may we ponder the following hymn―
“Passing onward, quickly passing,
But I ask thee whither bound,
Is it to the many mansions,
Where eternal rest is found?”
Pause, dear reader, and suffer me to ask you this solemn question, “WHITHER BOUND?” What is your port? what your destination? You have embarked on the ocean of life — what awaits you on the other side — on the distant shore?
Say not that in these matters none can tell. We can tell. As well might you affirm that none can tell whether he was homeward or outward bound. In the case in hand all knew the port for which our vessel was bound. It was a settled point with us all. True, the vessel might have foundered or have come to some sad ending. That event was far from impossible. Circumstances might have arisen to master her power or to baffle the skill of her officers and crew: Neither the vessel nor her crew were omnipotent. If it had been so, then that impossibility would have been removed.
But this is the case now contemplated — the excellency of the vessel secures the result. And when eternity is under consideration, that which secures heaven for the believer is that he is “in Christ.” Oh! with what unspeakable calmness can he face the storms of life — be these storms what they may — as he bears the peace giving assurance of the Lord, “because I live, ye SHALL live also.” He who has outlived the waves and billow, of the dross and the grave, and who is now risen and glorified, is alive for evermore —and because He lives so shall also the believer. True enough, before him lies the voyage with its trials and temptations — and his need of vigilance and dependence and practical holiness — ye the excellence of the vessel secures him — his hope, his boast, his confidence are all in Christ.
Oh! happy portion. Christ for the vessel and Christ for the goal, and being with Christ, too, in His presence — in the Father’s house of Home joys — Home friend ships, Home associations and Home interests in yonder Home of Homes.
Reader, say, will you be there?
J. W. S.