Many in this world are eagerly anticipating the moment when they shall reach the age of twenty-one. Some expect to succeed to a fine estate which they inherit from their parents; others are looking forward to the possession of a large fortune which they imagine will bring them untold happiness. The one, of whom I am about to tell you had no such expectations. But her hopes were fixed on high, and she had an “inheritance incorruptible and undefiled,” reserved in heaven for her; and into these eternal and unfading joys she entered at the age of twenty-one. When I saw her first, looking so pale and fragile, I read to her of the heavenly land, where there is no pain or sorrow or death, and where God shall wipe all tears from their eyes. I asked her if she was happy, and she told me she was. I said, “You are not afraid to die?” “No, no, I know my Jesus too well for that,” was the ready reply. The next time I called to see her she said, “Read to me about the tears being wiped away.” I was glad to do it, and to know as I read how easy it is to face the future in the light of the truth of God. She was calm and peaceful, resting on the finished work of the Son of God. She used to say, “I am so glad that Jesus loves me.” The love of Jesus was so real to her. Often when her mother was downstairs she would hear her singing to herself as she lay alone upstairs. One day the mother went up and said, “You are very happy, my dear.” “Yes, mother, I am so happy, I cannot tell how to stop singing.” “This is what she was singing: —”
O Paradise! O Paradise!
Who cloth not crave for rest?
Who would not seek the happy land
Where they that loved are blest;
Where loyal hearts and true
Stand ever in the light,
All rapture through and through,
In God’s most holy sight!”
“O Paradise! O Paradise!
‘Tis weary waiting here;
I long to be where Jesus is,
To feel, to see Him near;
Where loyal hearts and true
Stand ever in the light,
All rapture through and through,
In God’s most holy sight!”
“O Paradise! O Paradise!
I greatly long to see
The special place my dearest Lord
In love prepares for me;
Where loyal hearts and true
Stand ever in the light,
All rapture through and through,
In God’s most holy sight!”
This was doing “one thing.” Thinking of Christ and heaven. This was forgetting what was behind, and reaching on. This was having a mark and pressing on. Do you long for rest and home, my reader? The rest of God in the home of heaven.
On one occasion she was gazing up and smiling sweetly, and her watching mother said, “My darling, do you see Jesus?” “No, I do not see Jesus, but I shall,” was the answer. She would often exclaim, “My blessed Jesus, what should I do without Him now?” And yet you, reader, may have clone without Him for years; perhaps you are trying to do without Him now. She said with deep earnestness when near her end, “Oh! Mother, do pray from your heart that Jesus will come quickly for me; and that He will give me patience. I did not think I could be so weak and live.” A friend said to her, “You will be in heaven first, to welcome Mother when she comes.” “Yes,” was the answer, “that will be best.” Very shortly before she passed away she said to her mother, “Mother, dear, don’t you be frightened if you see I’m dying; say, Mother, ‘Thy will be done.’ God knows what is best. It is better for me to be taken from you, than for you to be taken from me; what should I do without you? There’s no one like a mother.” Right up to the close she was happy. “I am so sorry I have done so little for Jesus,” she would say. She passed away very peacefully at last.
I have related to you this chapter in an earthly life to show you how easy it is to face the future when you have Christ. This dear one could forget all on earth, and leave all for her love to her Saviour. This is “pressing on,” having Christ and His heaven in view. God is reaping for eternity; calling His people one by one from this world of sin and sorrow. Let me say to you, my reader, if you are not as yet saved, you have not to work for Salvation. The work was done for you by your Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. He said to God, “I have glorified Thee on the earth; I have finished the work which Thou gavest Me to do.” That work, finished by Christ, was the salvation of your soul. Are you saved? If not, it is because you have not trusted in Christ’s finished work. Will you do it now?