The Heavenly Traveler

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 4, 1858

The Heavenly Traveler.

WHAT heir, traveling to take possession of a rich inheritance, either lets a green meadow, or pleasant garden detain him, or a black cloud, or a foul way dishearten him? O my soul! thou art traveling to take possession of a glorious inheritance among the saints: wilt thou turn aside to crop every flower? Wilt thou stand still to hear every melodious sound? Wilt thou leave thy way to drink of every gliding stream of carnal pleasure? What is this, but to view a meadow, and lose a manor? For a dying flower, to part with an eternal crown? For a flying vanity, to lose an immortal felicity? To forsake the way of Sion, to gather one of the apples of Sodom? Or else, oh my soul! what if thy way be in tears, and thy days in sorrow, all clouded, and a swelling sea, that not only the lading of the ship, but life is in danger; yet here is enough to comfort thee, that a good father, and an everlasting refreshment, will make amends for all. Therefore, vain world, promise not, for I will make no deviation, because my way lies to purer comforts, and surer glory.