BIBLE REFERENCE:

For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.   Hebrews 11:14

But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Hebrews 11:16

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Revelation 2:7

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? James 2:5

Samuel Stennett - Lyrics
1727-1795

Born: June 1, 1727, Exeter, England.
Died: August 24, 1795, London, England.
Buried: London, England.

Rigdon McCoy McIntosh - Composer
1836-1899

Born: April 3, 1836, Maury County, Tennessee.
Died: July 2, 1899, Atlanta, Georgia.
Buried: Oxford, Georgia.

HYMN HISTORY:

Anticipation has always been an important characteristic of God’s people. In the Old Testament, it was Israel’s anticipation of the promised land, Canaan, For the New Testament believer, it is the glorious hope of one day sharing eternity with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.

This hymn text, written by an English Baptist minister, Samuel Stennett, first appeared in John Rippon’s Selection of Hymns, in 1787, with the title “Heaven Anticipated.” It has been joyous favorite with evangelical people everywhere.

Samuel Stennett was one of the most respected and influential preachers among the Dissenting or non-conformist groups of his time. He was highly esteemed by all religious groups and classes of people; it was said that he was even a personal friend of the reigning monarch, King George III. Not only was Stennett know as an outstanding evangelical preacher, but he also used his influence among his statesmen of the time in vigorous support of social reforms and religious freedom.

Samuel Stennett was born, in 1727, in Exeter, England, the son of a Baptist Minister. Later, his father received a call to pastor the Baptist Church on Little Wild Street, London, and at the age of twenty, young Samuel became his father’s assistant there. Upon his father's death, in 1758, Samuel became the pastor and continued this ministry, until his own death thirty-seven years later. Among his influential parishioners was John Howard, the noted English philanthropist and prison reformer.

Throughout his ministry, Stennett also authored thirty-nine hymns, most of which he contributed to one of the most important evangelical hymanls of the eighteen century, John Rippon’s Selection of Hymns, pulished in 1787. Stennett’s two most popular hymns still in usage are “Majestic Sweetness Sits Enthroned” and “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks.” In 1763, the University of Aberdeen conferred the Doctor of Divinity degree upon Samuel Stennett, in recognition of his accomplishments.

The tune, “Promised Land,” is one of the many traditional melodies used in the United States during the early part of the nineteenth century. There are several secular songs from this time that closely resemble the “Promised Land” melody. Its first appearance as a hymn tune can be traced back to 1835 in a hymnal called Southern Harmony, where it is shown with sharped notes. Late, a noted Southern musician named Rigdon M. McIntosh altered the tune by changing the tonality from minor to major as well as by adding the refrain. The hymn was first published in its present form, in 1895, in a hymnal called The Gospel Light, edited by H. R. Chrisite.

Samuel Stennett completed his faithful and effective ministry for God and reached “Canaan’s fair and happy land” on August 24,1795.

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3

The happiness of heaven is spoken of as in a Father's house. The reason there are many mansions is because all His saints though the ages that will be there. Mansions are lasting dwellings and we will live eternally with Christ.  Christ will be the Finisher of that of which he is the Author or Beginner; if he has prepared the place for us, he will also prepare us for heaven.

In the Scriptures Heaven is described as: