“In My Father’s House Are Many Mansions.”
By M. F. Maxson
I WAS the invited guest of one whose home resembled a palace. Wealth, beauty, and magnificence were displayed in every department. Passing up the long, shady avenue, trees, plants, and flowers, arrayed with artistic skill met my gaze. There thought I are the beautiful gifts of God, here trained to adorn and please. The door of the reception room stood open to receive me, and as I passed in I was nearly bewildered by the splendor that surrounded me. I looked upon my plain garb and thought how unfitted am I to appear in such a place as this. Why am I here? For a moment I almost regretted that my dress was plain, but instantly the words of that man of God came to my relief, "Let not your adorning be outward adorning" and I prayed, Lead me not into temptation. So busied was I with these reflections I did not observe the presence of another, until the mistress of so much splendor approached and extended her hand coldly, while her eye meaningfully scanned my plain attire. I felt the crimson tide rushing to my cheeks, my sensitive feelings were deeply pained by her cold and critical manner. Again the temptation arose, and yet thought I, "Is the servant greater than his master?" "He was despised and rejected of men." After the lapse of a few moments I was ushered into the spacious parlour and presented with freezing dignity to the other guests, and vainly did I look for one true smile of welcome. The formality and worldliness of the conversation soon wearied me. I felt I had no part nor lot in the matter.95Presently a little child came bounding into the room. She seemed full of joy and love, and went freely about seeming to delight in the beauty of her home. Soon she glided up to her mother and said "Anna wants to hear the music." As the other guests, went to the music room, I went out into the verandah and seated myself in an obscure corner to listen unobserved to the sweet strains of music. Anna missing me, returned to the parlor, and soon discovered my retreat. Putting her little hand in mine she said "Come and hear the music, don't you love music?" Yes darling, I replied but I can hear it better here. "So you can," she answered, "and then you can see the flowers, and trees too. Oh, I am so happy." Why are you happy I asked, "Because this is my home, and I shall always live here with the birds, and flowers, and hear the music." Her innocent words stirred a deep fountain in my soul, as I thought, this world is beautiful. It contains many mansions adorned with everything mortals can desire, yet with joy I can say, it is not my home. In my Father's house are many mansions, and Christ has gone to prepare a place for me. The beauty of that place, it has never entered the heart of man to conceive. The streets are pure gold, as it were transparent glass. The twelve gates are twelve pearls. It hath no need of the sun, nor of the moon to lighten it, for the Lamb is the light thereof. There shall be no night there, and God our Father shall wipe away all tears from our eyes. We shall stand upon the sea of glass with the harps of God in our hand, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. God shall lead us to fountains of living waters. O! the beauty and grandeur of that home, who can even faintly describe it? Oh! the music, the soul-ravishing music of heaven. What will it be when the great multitude of people whom no man can number, of all nations, kindred and tongues, who have come up out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, shall join their voices in that soul-thrilling song of victory? What will that song be? Its surpassing harmony will fill the arches of heaven. Methinks angels will listen with rapture to its glorious, and lofty strains. Not one that overcometh will remain silent. Our voices will be tuned by the great Author of harmony. How these thoughts thrill my heart. How earth and earthly beauty sink in comparison. How earthly fame, honor, and glory, dwindle into insignificance and are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. All that is evil in us will be forever cast out; and we shall be like the blessed Son of God. Come, then, sorrow, pain, persecution. Come derision and shame. I welcome you all, and am willing to have my name cast out as evil, and to become a pilgrim and a stranger; for these things endure but for a moment, but our Father's house of many mansions abideth forever.