THERE ARE NO TEARS IN HEAVEN.
By Marion A. Hanson
Who would not wish to dwell where tears are shed no more, where no billows of sorrow roll over the soul, and where the heart is no longer crushed by its weight of trouble? Death will have no power to snatch the loved ones from that blessed abode. No rude storms or raging blasts sweep across those ethereal skies. There bright flowers will never fade. There will friend meet friend to part no more. What is earth compared with that glorious rest? All things of this earth are fading, and will soon pass away; but Heaven will last forever. Why is it that so many are seeking pleasures here, and are not looking above for that which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away? Truly, their eyes are blinded that they cannot see. But although they may raise the siren song of peace and safety, yet there is a day coming of darkness and desolation. In that day, wealth, friends, and worldly power will avail nothing; but a well-grounded hope in God will be worth everything. There is a little space left us to seek righteousness, that we may stand in the trying time before us. Shall we neglect these precious moments? Shall the world with its glittering pleasures and its giddy mirth have power to close our eyes against the truth, and we spend the time of probation in thoughtless gayety? God forbid that such should be the case with any who have professed to be the followers of Jesus, and have looked forward with longing hearts to his appearing. But if we would escape, we must be zealous and repent. A mere profession will not save any. Doubly great will be the condemnation of those who know their Master’s will and do it not. It is my daily prayer that none of us who have named the name of Jesus may be among that number who shall call for the rocks and mountains to fall on them and hide them from the presence of the Holy One. It will be through great sufferings and tribulation that we shall enter our Father’s home; but when we are safely there, we shall rejoice that we were made partakers of Christ’s sufferings here, that we might share the glory with him in his Father’s kingdom.