What do you think?
Rate this book
My Dream of Heaven
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 forty 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.'
It was amidst ill health that her classic work was born. She wrote a number of other works, including Beachwood, Self, Songs by the Sea and Leon. But she is best remembered for 'Intra Muros' (Between the walls) or My Dream of heaven written in 1898. 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.
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 forty 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.'
Rebecca was born in 1832, in Indianapolis, Indiana; the daughter of a Methodist clergyman; she graduated from the Wesleyan Female College in 1850, and Methodist Christianity remained her spiritual home. In 1859, two years before the Civil War, she married William Springer, who went on to become a lawyer, and member of the Illinois General Assembly. They had one son, also called William, but Rebecca's health was never good, and described by one person as 'feeble'. In 1868, the couple went on a two-year European tour to improve her health, but it remained poor until her death.
It was amidst ill health that her classic work was born. 'Intra Muros' (Between the walls) or My Dream of heaven was written in 1898. 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, 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.'
MP3 Book
First published January 1, 1940
270 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
August 27, 2008
Someone handed me this book just before the death of my mother. The lovely images it paints has helped me so much through the grieving process after her death. It may not be for everyone; but it helped me realize that her life here didn't suddenly end and then begin anew in heaven; but that her life there is just a continuation of her life here. Her mortal shell returned to dust; but her soul, with all her gifts and talents, stepped into devine bliss. She is still "working" to the glory of God; but in perfect submission to His will. I think of the hymn Blessed Assurance....Perfect submission all is at rest, I in my Savior am happy and blessed....
An easy read, about two hours.
An easy read, about two hours.
February 18, 2013
I've read this book 3 times in the last 10 years & will again. It renews my outlook on everyday life every time I read it. It still ranks as my favorite book.
June 13, 2013
Springer, writing in 1898, makes no claims to revelation or prophecy, only a powerful dream/vision she experienced while in the throes
of a life-threatening health crisis. As such, her book is an interesting read that may or may not tell us a little about the
next life. She paints amazing pictures of the refreshment of heaven and the sweetness of fellowship, but I found a few areas
that didn't square with Scripture. For example, her experience of ongoing "marriage" in heaven is at odds with what Jesus says
in the NT. Overall, it's interesting to read, and it may even be correct on some points (or many?!), but I will stick with
saying I "liked" it, with a caution.
of a life-threatening health crisis. As such, her book is an interesting read that may or may not tell us a little about the
next life. She paints amazing pictures of the refreshment of heaven and the sweetness of fellowship, but I found a few areas
that didn't square with Scripture. For example, her experience of ongoing "marriage" in heaven is at odds with what Jesus says
in the NT. Overall, it's interesting to read, and it may even be correct on some points (or many?!), but I will stick with
saying I "liked" it, with a caution.
August 18, 2014
Oh, the beauty of Heaven! After reading this all I could think was "I'm ready to go" if heaven is like this. Whether one believes this is the vision revealed to the author or if she was actually there, this little book written over one hundred years ago, captures your imagination as to God's revelation from scripture. This was loaned to me by by my Bible teacher because of a friend who is terminally ill. This should be read by all as it gives peace to ones soul. I will gift it to others as the beauty is timeless......through eternity.
February 19, 2015
A reminder of Jesus
This story is a beautiful depiction of what God has in store for those who love Him. I cried for joy when I read it. Regardless if this is just her dream or not, I can hardly imagine a more perfect eternal home with our savior Jesus Christ.
This story is a beautiful depiction of what God has in store for those who love Him. I cried for joy when I read it. Regardless if this is just her dream or not, I can hardly imagine a more perfect eternal home with our savior Jesus Christ.
July 24, 2020
This is the first audiobook I’ve binged on and the experience was magical. I probably would have skimmed through it had I been reading on my own. And then I would have missed the delightfully dramatic music, sound effects, and voices of the audio version. I love hearing about near death experiences and heavenly visions. This mid-19th century one does not disappoint! Rebecca’s coincides with modern NDEs and also with solid grounding in the Bible. This would make for a great PG family read. I’d say “G” if it weren’t for all of the profound philosophical questions that are bound to come up. Go there! The three hours you spend listening to this book are way more nurturing to your spirit than double that time overdosing on today’s depressing headlines or filling your noggin with the drivel that passes for quality entertainment these days. It reminds me of old school shows like Touched by an Angel or Highway to Heaven. A little hokey? Perhaps if you’re jaded by our modern chaos. Give wholesome a try. It’ll do your heart good.
August 18, 2009
THe first really good book about heaven that I had found several years ago right after my step father was killed in an accident. I highly recommend it for books about heaven. Very comforting and insightful.
November 6, 2011
My all-time favorite book to read in times of grief or struggle. I've read it several times and send it to friends and family who are struggling with the death of a loved one.
July 28, 2021
This little book was given to my mother at my dad's funeral on 22 Jun 2021 by a close life-long friend of mine. My mom's not really a reader, but I am. She did give it her best effort but said it was too flowery for her. It is a little flowery, but it is also a great glimpse inside Heaven, where my daddy's at right now.
The author, Rebecca Springer, struggled for her life for three days during a severe sickness. She believed her soul had entered Heaven’s gate and given her a glimpse of what her, and other’s passing our earth-life to the celestial life, would be like. This is a good quick little read. Probably, the best thing I gathered from this book is the fact that our “good” works here, even our interests, our gentle words, generous thoughts, and unselfish deeds are multiplied and will be the foundation of our own life in Heaven. Life in Heaven will be a continuation of what our life is here on earth without all the distractions of the world that try and tear us down. We'll actually still be learning things in Heaven and will finally have the opportunity to learn to do the things we never had time for down here on earth.
The author, Rebecca Springer, struggled for her life for three days during a severe sickness. She believed her soul had entered Heaven’s gate and given her a glimpse of what her, and other’s passing our earth-life to the celestial life, would be like. This is a good quick little read. Probably, the best thing I gathered from this book is the fact that our “good” works here, even our interests, our gentle words, generous thoughts, and unselfish deeds are multiplied and will be the foundation of our own life in Heaven. Life in Heaven will be a continuation of what our life is here on earth without all the distractions of the world that try and tear us down. We'll actually still be learning things in Heaven and will finally have the opportunity to learn to do the things we never had time for down here on earth.
October 10, 2016
Within Heaven's Gates by Rebecca Springer is, I would have to say, the only book that has filled me with a sense of peace and of completeness throughout the whole story. For a little book this story gives a big message. This book has taught me of patients and that life is as it should be, wherever anyone is standing. When we are in the will of God we are where we should be, through struggle and victory. There is no reason to long for the past or try to rush for the future. God has it all handled. One thing I was given understanding about, is that we can live the life and be the person we are meant to be and live in heaven- here on earth. But, this requires an inside job of the soul of healing and continuing to choose God and Spirit over the flesh. The Author explains that each individual person will get something different out of this book. I encourage you to give it a try. It should be on a must-read shelf. :) Author H.E. Olsen
January 4, 2015
Beautiful, interesting read. Great reminder of what our purpose here really is. Something that I should probably read every few years.
I love the intensity, but also familiarity between her and Jesus. Especially the analogy of thinking of Him like an older brother whom you adore.
It's difficult for me to wrap my brain around how she describes a lot of heavenly life, but I think that's why reading these kind of books is important: to remember that there is so much more to life than this life.
I love the intensity, but also familiarity between her and Jesus. Especially the analogy of thinking of Him like an older brother whom you adore.
It's difficult for me to wrap my brain around how she describes a lot of heavenly life, but I think that's why reading these kind of books is important: to remember that there is so much more to life than this life.
February 17, 2014
Ready to go.
Ready to go.
while reading this book, I often imagined what my dad is doing right now. Is he waiting for my coming so that he can show me around like her father did? Is my grandmother waiting as well? Do they talk with the Master, daily? My heart yearns to go see and be with The Lord of lords and the King of kings, to sit with Him and learn all He would teach me. You won't be disappointed in reading this wonderful journey.
Ready to go.
while reading this book, I often imagined what my dad is doing right now. Is he waiting for my coming so that he can show me around like her father did? Is my grandmother waiting as well? Do they talk with the Master, daily? My heart yearns to go see and be with The Lord of lords and the King of kings, to sit with Him and learn all He would teach me. You won't be disappointed in reading this wonderful journey.
Currently reading
April 15, 2008I woman's vision of Heaven. Made me wonder what Dad experienced when he entered Heaven. Did he see and do the same things as this woman?
June 3, 2016
Great Inspiration.. Excellent for those suffering with grief.
November 2, 2016
If Heaven is even a teeny tiny bit of what is described in this book, oh what joy awaits the follower of Christ!
June 28, 2021
3 Stars
Captured my imagination and made eternity easier to imagine which is valuable, but some things wasnn't quite alligned with God's Word which makes it a sweet tale to me, but not the huge impact it might have had otherwise.
Captured my imagination and made eternity easier to imagine which is valuable, but some things wasnn't quite alligned with God's Word which makes it a sweet tale to me, but not the huge impact it might have had otherwise.
June 6, 2024
I believe people would be far less afraid of their own deaths, fewer would strive to prolong their deaths because of a fear of what lies behind the veil, and would mourn their loved ones less if they had a clear-eyed view of what lay beyond. This beautifully told story of a near-death experience has brought comfort to many when they realize the possibility that there really is no death, it's just a doorway to a more interesting life of service and peace. Highly recommended.
February 7, 2017
I read this book years ago and just re-read it with my husband.
It is really interesting and insightful.
This time reading it, Heaven it struck me as being very cultural... It seemed like a male dominated world where women do a lot of tending to their husbands, which I am sure is the kind of world that Rebecca Springer lived in, but is not the way I expect heaven to be. My husband disagreed with me and thought I was being too picky.
I was also struck by the portrayal of the temple and worship//church services being done in parks, or not at all, because there was already perfect oneness with Jesus. Rebecca has a surprising understanding of how unimportant the building and denomination is to worshiping God. Her understanding seems to be something very different than what she would have experienced during her time, in her religious practice, and therefore seems like divine revelation.
The book is a tad repetitive with ALL the different people she meets having nearly the same conversation with her, repeatedly. Otherwise, it is a really brilliant and fascinating read. I cried several times and had several really nice "Ah-Ha" moments as spiritual truths were unfolded.
It is really interesting and insightful.
This time reading it, Heaven it struck me as being very cultural... It seemed like a male dominated world where women do a lot of tending to their husbands, which I am sure is the kind of world that Rebecca Springer lived in, but is not the way I expect heaven to be. My husband disagreed with me and thought I was being too picky.
I was also struck by the portrayal of the temple and worship//church services being done in parks, or not at all, because there was already perfect oneness with Jesus. Rebecca has a surprising understanding of how unimportant the building and denomination is to worshiping God. Her understanding seems to be something very different than what she would have experienced during her time, in her religious practice, and therefore seems like divine revelation.
The book is a tad repetitive with ALL the different people she meets having nearly the same conversation with her, repeatedly. Otherwise, it is a really brilliant and fascinating read. I cried several times and had several really nice "Ah-Ha" moments as spiritual truths were unfolded.
Read
October 24, 2016This book rings true. It is about a woman's death experience and journey to heaven where she lived for years. Even if it isn't true, it is well worth the read to expand the mind towards what heaven could be. She tells about swimming in heaven, in all the different bodies of water. She could talk and breathe under water and she always came out refreshed in spirit and mind. I think of those images quite often. Intramuros was written in the 1940's and is now hard to find as a hard copy. It was republished under the title, "Entering Heaven's Gate" and that version was slimmed down from the original and in my opinion, not near as good as the original. You can now find Intramuros on-line for free! The book gives all glory to Jesus and points the reader to His magnificence and beauty.
July 17, 2021
I were once asked: "What if you die and there is no heaven?" My answer was: "I would rather live as if there is one than die and find out hell exists."
If this vision is true or half true, we will never be sure, but just as the travellers to Emmaus said to one another after they realized it was the ResurrectedJesus who walked with them, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”
(Luke 24:32) I experienced the same reading this book. Again realizing how much God loves us and still we have not seen yet grasped all that He has prepared for us.
May we live to enter into His presence.
If this vision is true or half true, we will never be sure, but just as the travellers to Emmaus said to one another after they realized it was the ResurrectedJesus who walked with them, “Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?”
(Luke 24:32) I experienced the same reading this book. Again realizing how much God loves us and still we have not seen yet grasped all that He has prepared for us.
May we live to enter into His presence.
November 7, 2018
Not bad, just not what I was hoping for. There were some good things I took from it but it was much more about her personal meetings with people she knew than it was about what she experienced about the place. It's hard to resonate with reunions of people I don't know, and I generally read these kinds of books in order to know more about what Heaven itself is or looks like. In that regard, definitely didn't get a whole lot.
February 14, 2024
No me canso de re leer este hermoso libro. Es uno de mis favoritos.
Segunda vez que leo este libro y sin duda es uno de los libros más bellos que he leído.
Primera vez que lo leí:
Un hermoso libro!! Lo leí en 4 horas más o menos. Me sentí realmente en el Cielo. Concuerda con varios libros que he leído antes y con versículos de la Biblia.
Segunda vez que leo este libro y sin duda es uno de los libros más bellos que he leído.
Primera vez que lo leí:
Un hermoso libro!! Lo leí en 4 horas más o menos. Me sentí realmente en el Cielo. Concuerda con varios libros que he leído antes y con versículos de la Biblia.
February 17, 2019
I’ve read this book several times over the years and it never fails to inspire me. The language as well has a particular beauty reflective of the age in which it was written that adds to the uniqueness of its message. I feel blessed by the loan of this book years ago and would never be without a copy now.
April 17, 2020
Such a comforting book. Both if you have family and friends that have passed, but also puts into perspective that your own death isn't quite as daunting as the world tends to believe. This book is in no way presented as Gospel truth, but a good reminder that there is hope and a future much greater than we can imagine.
December 26, 2020
I'm always skeptical of these heavenly visions people claim to have, and then subsequently, writing a book about it. This 'vision' was very detailed and was, admittedly, quite heartwarming. However, there is some doctrinal error that caused me to write this off as nothing more than a comforting story about the heavenly realm.
February 14, 2019
The most uplifting book I have read, after the Bible of course!
Such a beautifully written book and so inspiring. Anyone who reads this book and is a Christian will never be afraid of dying.
Such a beautifully written book and so inspiring. Anyone who reads this book and is a Christian will never be afraid of dying.
October 22, 2019
Heart warming
There are few books that I have read that have filled my heart with a deeper love for my Lord than this one. Such a h earth warming book filled with His tender love for us. Incredible.
There are few books that I have read that have filled my heart with a deeper love for my Lord than this one. Such a h earth warming book filled with His tender love for us. Incredible.
February 15, 2025
This book is soooo much more than what the summary provided on Goodreads says. This short but impactful 160 page book is one I’ll never forget! If you’ve ever wondered what loved ones you’ve lost are doing up there, or wondered what “daily life” looks like in heaven, or in any way believed it will fall short of including the simplest of joys here on earth, read this book!!
Rebecca Ruter Springer falls gravely ill in the 1950’s and finds herself in the midst of a “near death experience” unlike any I’ve ever read. It “captures biblical truths with emotional impressions” that left me with my jaw on the floor. She states several times in the book that her most eloquent and descriptive words couldn’t ever come close to articulating the beauty and perfection she walked in Heaven, but she captured the relational dynamics between friends, family, and spouses so beautifully. It was hard to put this one down!
I especially found comfort in the chapter she talked about seeing Jesus holding babies and telling stories to, playing with, and joking with children under a giant shade tree beside a river. How the children were at peace and were so joyful, and how the babies will only ever know the beauty of Heaven and the arms of Jesus 🤍
“These happy surprises do not come by chance. One of the delights of this rare life is that no earthly occasion is ever overlooked for reproducing here the pure enjoyments of our mortal life. It is God’s pleasure to make us realize that this existence is but a continuance of the former life, only without its imperfections.”
Rebecca Ruter Springer falls gravely ill in the 1950’s and finds herself in the midst of a “near death experience” unlike any I’ve ever read. It “captures biblical truths with emotional impressions” that left me with my jaw on the floor. She states several times in the book that her most eloquent and descriptive words couldn’t ever come close to articulating the beauty and perfection she walked in Heaven, but she captured the relational dynamics between friends, family, and spouses so beautifully. It was hard to put this one down!
I especially found comfort in the chapter she talked about seeing Jesus holding babies and telling stories to, playing with, and joking with children under a giant shade tree beside a river. How the children were at peace and were so joyful, and how the babies will only ever know the beauty of Heaven and the arms of Jesus 🤍
“These happy surprises do not come by chance. One of the delights of this rare life is that no earthly occasion is ever overlooked for reproducing here the pure enjoyments of our mortal life. It is God’s pleasure to make us realize that this existence is but a continuance of the former life, only without its imperfections.”
December 18, 2023
It took me almost an entire year to get through this little book. It was recommended to me after the loss of someone I dearly loved. While the author states that this was a visceral dream she had experienced, it left me with a full spectrum of emotions.
There were moments that struck me with awe, visualizing the potentials of heaven. Other parts of the book left me questioning the theology of the author, as there were mentions of things that do not align with the Word of God.
During my lament, this book gave me comfort to know that my loved one was living out eternity, awaiting my arrival. It reminded me of the hope we have in the gift of salvation, that things of this earth are so very temporary, including the lives we live and the breaths we take. Our reunions in heaven will be overwhelmingly magnificent, yet I imagine they will pale in comparison to what it will be like standing in God’s presence.
There is much more I could say about this book, but I will leave my review with this question…
Do you believe Jesus came to earth, died brutally on a tree to forgive your every wrong, so that you would be in eternity with Him?
There were moments that struck me with awe, visualizing the potentials of heaven. Other parts of the book left me questioning the theology of the author, as there were mentions of things that do not align with the Word of God.
During my lament, this book gave me comfort to know that my loved one was living out eternity, awaiting my arrival. It reminded me of the hope we have in the gift of salvation, that things of this earth are so very temporary, including the lives we live and the breaths we take. Our reunions in heaven will be overwhelmingly magnificent, yet I imagine they will pale in comparison to what it will be like standing in God’s presence.
There is much more I could say about this book, but I will leave my review with this question…
Do you believe Jesus came to earth, died brutally on a tree to forgive your every wrong, so that you would be in eternity with Him?
October 11, 2024
"If only we could realize while we are yet mortals that, day by day, we are building for eternity, how different our lives in many ways would be. Every gentle word, every generous thought, every unselfish deed will become a pillar of eternal beauty in the life to come. We cannot be selfish and unloving in one life, and generous and loving in the next. The two lives are too closely blended. One, a continuation of the other."
Intriguing account of the author's experience of Heaven, written in the exquisite prose of the era just after the War Between the States.
The author clarifies her account is neither revelation nor inspiration, but a gift that God gave her as she lay for days hanging in the balance between life and death on her sickbed. Unlike her best earthly experience, which fades with the passage of time, Springer attested to this heavenly experience growing sharper and more vivid as the years went by, until at last, she wrote it out, to the best of her ability to express.
Intriguing account of the author's experience of Heaven, written in the exquisite prose of the era just after the War Between the States.
The author clarifies her account is neither revelation nor inspiration, but a gift that God gave her as she lay for days hanging in the balance between life and death on her sickbed. Unlike her best earthly experience, which fades with the passage of time, Springer attested to this heavenly experience growing sharper and more vivid as the years went by, until at last, she wrote it out, to the best of her ability to express.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews