"The Mansion" by the author, educator, and clergyman Henry Jackson van Dyke Jr. (1852-1933) tells of the life of John Weightman and his reward in heaven. Weightman is a wealthy man who does good deeds like funding a school, a church, and a hospital wing. However, his giving is calculated to bring him a benefit. In a near-death experience, he goes to heaven and is shown the heavenly mansion which was prepared for him. It was nothing more than a little shack! The Keeper of the Gate explained to him that they used all the building materials that John had sent from his life on earth, where his good deeds were carefully recorded and rewarded. “Would you be paid twice?” the angel asks him. The theme of "The Mansion" has similarities to that of A Christmas Carol, but the spotlight is on motivation.
(Tags : The Mansion (Unabridged) Henry Van Dyke Audiobook, Henry Van Dyke Audio CD )