Our Children In Heaven by James Maple, revised by Jim Erskine (PDF ebook) – Originally published in 1890, this completely forgotten little book by Dr. James Maple has truly been lost for decades. (There is a different book with the same title available other places online, but in our opinion this volume is far superior.) Its pages contain a well-spring of comfort for all who have lost loved ones, little or old, to death. When we discovered it on the dusty shelf of an antique shop (the owner did not even know he had it), we knew that we had to make it available to hurting families again. It is our hope that you will find these messages a sweet balm for aching hearts.
From the Preface:
CHILDREN are as a ray of sunshine in our homes, bringing joy and gladness. They come as angels of innocence and beauty, awakening new thoughts, kindling holier feelings, leading us to a higher and better life. A home without children, to me, is like heaven without angels; but our dear ones are not safe from the hand of disease and death. Truly the poet sings:
…there is no flock, however watched and tended
But one dead lamb is there.
There is no fireside, howsoever defended,
But has one vacant chair!
What a difference the death of a child makes in our hearts and homes. How it changes the tone of our thoughts and takes the warmth and beauty out of life.
How the little children love us, and no traces
Linger of that smiling angel band.
Gone, forever gone, and in their places
Weary men and anxious women stand.
The sermons embraced in this little book were written and preached at different and distant periods in a ministry of forty-five years, to comfort sorrowing parents who were mourning the loss of their dear little ones by the hand of death. They are now given to the public with the hope that they may be a comfort to many bleeding hearts.
NOTE: This book has been substantially edited and revised by Jim Erskine, and is copyrighted. Please do not redistribute or pass along to others, but instead please send folks here to obtain a copy. After today, this book will be available at OurChildrenInHeaven.com – still free, but you must register for it through our email system there. Thank you for respecting our rights in this matter.
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I came to this site by way of other homeschooling mothers who were sharing wonderful resources. I’ve been subscribed to the email for maybe a month now. I have this page set as my homepage so I am sure not to miss anything wonderful.
Imagine my surprise when I wake up on May 6th, the six month anniversary of the day my darling daughter was born sleeping, open my browser and see this book being offered.
Thank you for offering this pdf book as a temporary free resource. I’m sure I’m not the only one who will benefit from it.
Just read part of this book. It is comforting to read after just losing a 5 year old son Brendon, just 6 months ago. We miss him dearly and only those who have lost a child will truly understand how we feel.
thank you for sharing this today.
Yesterday at Care Group I found out that a much-loved lady at church had just had a miscarriage. My heart goes out to her (though I haven’t met her) and so I am very, very grateful to have this resource to point her towards.
Thank you.
I would really appreciate finding out how I might get a copy of this book?
It is going on 7 years since my twin girls (Faith & Hope) were born sleeping – the pain doesn’t fade it just changes how we live daily.
Thanks for any help.
I am so sad I missed this offer. Our sons Jonathan’s birthday is coming around this Friday he went to heaven after 5 months of living close to God he would have been 4 this year. He is missed tremendously by his brothers and sisters but particularly me could you please help me get a copy of this book also??
Blessings to all you do!
Is there a way I can get the link to this?!?! I missed this one and would really like to have have it. my son died 5 years ago and I would love to read this to my 9 year old.