LETTER RE: HEAVEN

Several people asked for copies of this at a recent graveside service--so I thought I'd post it.

A man named Harry Rimmer penned the following letter to Charles E. Fuller of the Old Fashioned Revival Hour, shortly before his death.

"Next Sunday you are to talk about heaven. I am interested in that land because I have held a clear title to a bit of property there for over 50 years. I did not buy it. It was given to me without money and without price; but the Donor purchased it for me at tremendous sacrifice.
I am not holding it for speculation. It is not a vacant lot. For more than half a century I have been sending materials, out of which the greatest Architect of the universe has been building a home, for me, which will never need remodeling or repairs because it will suit me perfectly, individually, and will never grow old.

Termites can never undermine its foundation for it rests upon the Rock of Ages. Fire cannot destroy it. Floods cannot wash it away. No lock or bolts will ever be placed upon the doors, for no vicious person can ever enter that land, where my dwelling now stands, now almost completed and almost ready for me to enter in and abide in peace eternally, without fear of being rejected.

There is a valley of deep shadow between this place where I live, and that to which I shall journey in a very short time. I cannot reach my home in that city without passing through that valley. But I am not afraid because the best Friend I ever had went through the same valley long, long ago and drove away all its gloom. He stuck with me through thick and thin since we first became acquainted 55 years ago, and I hold this promise in printed form, never to forsake me or leave me alone. He will be with me as I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and I shall not lose my way because He is with me.

I hope to hear your sermon on heaven next Sunday, but I have no assurance I shall be able to do so. My ticket for heaven has no date marked for the journey, no return coupon and no permit for baggage. Yes, I am ready to go, and I may not be here which you are talking next Sunday evening, but I will meet you there some day."