I go to prepare a place for you.
John 14:2
Words: Edward W. Dunbar, in The Anniversary and Sunday School Music Book No. 15 (New York: Horace Waters, 1858).
Music: William B. Bradbury, The Golden Censer (New York: William B. Bradbury, 1864), pages 110–11 (🔊 pdf nwc).
When a boy, but twelve years old, I worked hard to support my mother and two younger brothers, and usually carried my earnings home every evening.
One night, it being very dark and muddy, and having three miles to travel, and a heavy bundle to carry, I did not reach home until late: my mother, feeble and weary, had retired, but she quickly aroused when she heard my voice, and soon met me at the door, with a warm kiss, and warmer tears, and a
God bless you, my dear boy.As she received my bundle, she exclaimed,
After this, I’ll set a light in the window for you,and true to her word, the bright light in the window appeared, and Oh! how it cheered my heart ever after for years.Health failing me, I left home (after my brothers could help mother), and went to sea. When three years from home, and on the Pacific Ocean, my mother died; but just before she expired, she said to those around her,
O give Edward my dying blessing, for he has been a good boy. Tell him I have gone to Heaven, and will set a light in the window for him.In the Sabbath School Bell No. 2 (New York: Horace Waters, 1860), p. 22
There’s a light in the window for thee, brother,
There’s a light in the window for thee;
A dear one has moved to the mansions above,
There’s a light in the window for thee.
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A mansion in Heaven we see,
And a light in the window for thee.
A mansion in Heaven we see,
And a light in the window for thee.
There’s a crown, and a robe, and a palm, brother,
When from toil and from care you are free;
The Savior has gone to prepare you a home,
With a light in the window for thee.
Refrain
O watch, and be faithful, and pray, brother,
All your journey o’er life’s troubled sea,
Tho’ afflictions assail you, and storms beat severe,
There’s a light in the window for thee.
Refrain
Then on, perseveringly on, brother,
Till from conflict and suffering free;
Bright angels now beckon you over the stream,
There’s a light in the window for thee.
Refrain