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Publisher: White Crow Books

Publication Date: Jan 2010

Extent: 144

Size: 5 x 8"

ISBN: 978-1-907355-11-0

eBook ISBN: 978-1-907355-11-0

Audiobook ISBN: 978-1-907355-39-4

Summary

Rebecca Ruter Springer was 29 when the American Civil War started in 1861. When the war ended five years later, 620,000 soldiers and countless civilians lay dead. It is not surprising, therefore, that the dead and heaven were much considered over the next 40 years in the USA. And it was this spiritual climate that created Springer’s classic, Intra Muros, or as it is now generally known, My Dream of Heaven, written in 1898.

It was amidst ill health that her book was born. It was a vision given to her during severe illness; and she was unconscious for some days as she received the vision – which in the telling, covers a period of years. On reflection, she came to understand the short book as a series of basic truths about heaven, written in a simple and readable style, as if being told to a child.

In the latter half of 19th century America, there was huge interest in the after-life; and some doubts about it. The savagery of the Civil War had raised questions and left its mark on popular consciousness. Spiritualist séances were well attended, as the bereaved wondered about loved ones lost. Where were they? How were they? Springer was writing when spiritualism was at its peak, with an estimated 8 million followers in the USA and Europe.

As the Civil War came to a close, therefore, there were many evocations of heaven written to meet people’s needs for reassurance; and a number became best sellers. My Dream of Heaven was one of them, offering readers both confidence that God had prepared a place for them; and that awaiting them there was a wonderful reunion with loved ones who had gone before.

Springer did not bestow the status of ‘prophecy’ on her work; but rather intended it as comfort. As she said, she wrote the book with ‘the hope that it may comfort and uplift some who read, even as it did, and as its memory will ever do, for me. I submit the imperfect sketch of a most perfect vision.’

Reader’s reviews of this vision on Amazon suggest that for Christians and the bereaved in particular, Springer’s desire has been realised. Words like ‘comfort’, ‘uplifting’, ‘hope’, ‘consolation’ ‘life-changing’ and ‘encouragement’ ring like bells through the reactions. Years on, a dream simply told still apparently reaches people.

About the Author

Number of books: 2

Rebecca Ruter Springer

Rebecca Ruter Springer (1832-1904) was an American author and poet born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to a Methodist minister father. Raised in a deeply religious household, Springer wrote numerous books and articles on Christian theology throughout her life.

Her most famous work, “Intra Muros” (later republished as My Dream of Heaven), detailed her near-death experience and vision of heaven, followed by her historic fictional novel, Marcus and Miriam: A story of Jesus.

Springer’s writings were popular in the 19th century, and she was a member of the Holiness movement, which emphasized personal holiness and sanctification.

Springer’s health was fragile, and by some accounts, her health was an issue throughout her life. In 1859, she married William Springer, a lawyer, and member of the Illinois General Assembly. The couple had one son, also named William.

Springer passed away in 1904 at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering female author and religious thinker. Her works continue to be appreciated for their spiritual insights and literary merit. Although not much is known about her personal life, her contributions to Christian literature remain significant and enduring.