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pilateschick's review against another edition
4.0
This a spin on A Christmas Carol, except this character eventually desires to earn the grandest mansion in heaven by giving on earth without earthly reward. I disagreed with it, at first, because I felt that we shouldn't serve only to earn a big heavenly mansion. Duh, it's symbolic, I realized. Using the idea of "good, better, best", trying to earn our place in heaven ranks only as "better", in my book.
So, if someone doesn't understand that the book is symbolic, they might serve to try and earn a literal mansion= "good".
If they see the mansion as symbolic, they might serve to earn their place/estate in heaven= "better".
It seems to me the best reason to serve is out of love. Simply because it's the right things to do, not because we'll get something for it. I've always appreciated the Hindu take on that. That is the reason Christ served. He served out of love while healing people and washing their feet. That is the best way. Of course, as the book explains, "good" is better than nothing at all. :) I have many days when I give nothing at all, and so this book is inspiring on many levels, just like A Christmas Carol is in its way.
So, if someone doesn't understand that the book is symbolic, they might serve to try and earn a literal mansion= "good".
If they see the mansion as symbolic, they might serve to earn their place/estate in heaven= "better".
It seems to me the best reason to serve is out of love. Simply because it's the right things to do, not because we'll get something for it. I've always appreciated the Hindu take on that. That is the reason Christ served. He served out of love while healing people and washing their feet. That is the best way. Of course, as the book explains, "good" is better than nothing at all. :) I have many days when I give nothing at all, and so this book is inspiring on many levels, just like A Christmas Carol is in its way.
heavenwallgate's review against another edition
I am working with a collection of rare gift books from the 1880s-1910s (roughly) this semester for an internship, and this is one of those books. it’s basically a ripoff of A Christmas Carol without everything that makes A Christmas Carol interesting. there are some really gorgeous illustrations though!
meme_too2's review against another edition
3.0
Pres. Monson constantly quotes from this story, so I decided to check it out. It's a story of a rich man who realizes money isn't everything. I didn't quite get the deep perspective of the book. I might have to read it again.
villianess's review against another edition
4.0
A very well written tale of stored up treasures. Whether here on earth or in heaven. The victorian style writing gives the story fluence. With out knowing it, the scripture "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also", takes on new meaning.
This could become a classic Christmas story, but doesn't need to only be read at Christmas. It leads one to reflection, which is good year round.
This could become a classic Christmas story, but doesn't need to only be read at Christmas. It leads one to reflection, which is good year round.
cari1268's review against another edition
5.0
This has been on my list to read for years. I can't believe it took me so long to read this short story. I loved it and felt inspired to give more with less expectation of reward. I wonder what my mansion would look like...
bechug's review against another edition
4.0
This was a very short read that has some similarities to A Christmas Carol, but focuses more on the idea that it's what's in your heart that really matters. It was a wonderful reminder to look outside myself and to serve others with a more pure intent.
sqeeker's review against another edition
5.0
- I picked this up because President Monson reads it every single year around Christmas time. He loves it and refers to it often.
- Great lesson!! Do we do things for recognition or because we love and want to serve others? I want to be a charitable person and have true charity.
- The story is short, but great!
- It reminds me a bit of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
- Great lesson!! Do we do things for recognition or because we love and want to serve others? I want to be a charitable person and have true charity.
- The story is short, but great!
- It reminds me a bit of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
julieanncordero's review against another edition
5.0
A beautiful story about what is important in life. Quick read and I’m looking forward to sharing the abridged illustrated version with my family.
bethgiven's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful read for Christmastime or anytime! This short story has a lovely message about doing good works for the glory of God and not for yourself.
A few favorite quotes, the first is the reply to the heavenly gatekeeper as to why John Weightman had not received a larger "mansion in heaven:"
"Were not all these [deeds] carefully recorded on earth where they would add to your credit? They were not foolishly done. Verily, you have had your reward for them. Would you be paid twice?"
And another, when John is trying to make sense of why he is assigned to heaven when he has such a small inheritance there:
"Tell me then," [John] cried brokenly, "since my life has been so little worth, how came I here at all?"
"Through the mercy of the King" -- the answer was like the soft tolling of a bell.
"And how have I earned it?" he murmured.
"It is never earned; it is only given," came the clear, low reply.
A few favorite quotes, the first is the reply to the heavenly gatekeeper as to why John Weightman had not received a larger "mansion in heaven:"
"Were not all these [deeds] carefully recorded on earth where they would add to your credit? They were not foolishly done. Verily, you have had your reward for them. Would you be paid twice?"
And another, when John is trying to make sense of why he is assigned to heaven when he has such a small inheritance there:
"Tell me then," [John] cried brokenly, "since my life has been so little worth, how came I here at all?"
"Through the mercy of the King" -- the answer was like the soft tolling of a bell.
"And how have I earned it?" he murmured.
"It is never earned; it is only given," came the clear, low reply.