AN inhabitant of the Province of Dalecarlia in Sweden worked for a rich lord in the neighborhood of Stockholm. Having occasion to walk some distance together, the lord conversed with the laborer, and asked him if he knew that this and that belonged to his estate. The Dalecarlian answered, “No,” to each question — but every time, from the mouth of the lord, he heard the words, “It belongs to me.” “Yes, all,” added the lord at last, “all that you can see from this spot is mine.” The Dalecarlian stood still a moment, stuck his spade into the ground, took off his cap, and, then, pointing to the sky above, said in a solemn voice, “Here I can see heaven. Is that also thine?”
Now dear children, let me ask you the same question. Is Heaven yours? Can you say, “Heaven is my home?” If so, happy are you, and bright is the prospect before you; but if not, oh! take heed to your steps, for you are hastening on to everlasting destruction. You may be the children “of wealthy parents, and be possessed of every luxury and comfort that this world can afford; but if you still lack the “one thing needful,” it is all as nought. Jesus himself said to his disciples, “What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”
On the other hand, you may be the children of those who are poor in this world; but if you possess Christ, you are rich indeed; for, having him, you possess all things. The poorest man on earth who can truly say, “Jesus is mine,” is in reality far happier than the most powerful monarch of the world, who has nations and armies at his command, but is still without Christ. Solomon was the greatest, the wisest, and the richest man that ever lived; but what does he say of all his greatness, his wisdom, and his riches? That it is all vanity and vexation of spirit. And so it is with all earthly happiness; it is but for a moment, and then passes away forever. The only true and lasting happiness is in the knowledge of sin forgiven, and the possession of eternal life. Jesus died upon the cross for you, and by shedding his blood, has forever atoned for sin; and if you really believe this in your heart you are saved; for God says in his word, that “Whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have eternal life;” and again, “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Oh, dear children, let me entreat you to go to Jesus at once; take your place before him as lost sinners, and cry to him for mercy. He has promised that he will not cast out any that come to him. Do not put off seeking your salvation, for you know not how short a time may be allowed you; therefore, “Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” Then, when you know Jesus as your Saviour, you will be able to look up to God as your Father, and to call heaven your Home.