Hi all! Here is the second part of the Hedge of Thorns. Be sure to read the first post before reading this one!
Title: The Hedge of Thorns
Author: First published by John Hatchard and rewritten by Mark Hamby
Originally Published: in 1819 and reprinted by Lamplighter in 1999
Background Information: The background on this book is a little confusing. The book could quite possibly be based on a true story, and was originally published in England. The Editor's Note has this to say: "It appears that the factual accounts of this story were first recorded by John Carrol and completed by John Hatchard. It is possible that the manuscript was then written in book form by Mrs. Mary Sherwood."
The Hedge of Thorns...
Mr. Carrol continues talking to John and again emphasizes the importance of "hedges" in our lives. He tells him--"Even if the path becomes difficult, my son, and even if God chooses for you the path of suffering, the riches of Christ are a far greater reward both in this life and the life to come" (p 42). After his lecture, John's father lifts him up and shows him what is beyond the hedges. When Mr. Carrol asks what he sees, John says--"A deep chasm Father" (p 43). His father then asks him what did God use to save you and your sister. John replies--"The Thorns, Father" "The Hedge of Thorns." (p 44) His father then points out that the thorns are now a blessing and that John should thank God for them. Mr. Carrol also says: "I trust, my son, that the time will come, that you will thank God for every affliction, however bitter, which he makes use of to keep you from sin." (p 44) Mr. Carrol then shows John what was on the other side of the Hedge where a marshy swamp is, and if John and Bell had gotten through the Hedge, they would have drowned.
Mr. Carrol then goes on to tell John about the history behind the hedge. We learn that about 50 years ago, two sibling were killed. One of fell over the ledge and the other drowned in the swamp. (to learn more of the details--you will have to read the book yourself! :-) )
Mr. Carrol leaves John with one finally thought--"Do not, my boy, ever attempt to break through those Hedges that God grows, and you will never feel their Thorns." (p 48)
John continues to think about that day and the story continues on. We learn about John going to school, how he learns more about Christ, and how he gets a job. As a result of John working, the family is able to have more things, and John gets a new room. This room has a beautiful view and his father reminds him to give thanks for the room but to not forget the lesson of the Thorns. John tells his readers that his father's words "fixed themselves, by God's blessing, in my memory, but did not yet reach my heart; and for this reason I had formed plans of happiness quite different from those which he pointed out to me." (p 54--55) We now learn that John wants to leave home and see more of the world.
One Sunday, John sees a former schoolmate, William Croft. John notices that he is wearing a new suit of clothes, and after the service John goes to talk with William. During the conversation he learns more about William's job status etc. William invites John to come see him sometime.
Mr. Carrol interrupts the conversation, and the family heads home. John is somewhat sullen and reserved on the way home and is thinking about how he can save enough money to buy himself some clothes and visit William.
However, that night, John's father becomes ill and loses the ability to use one side of his body. This comes so suddenly that John gives up all his schemes and finds himself responsible for taking care of the family. This responsibility is somewhat frustrating to John as he wants to do other things with the youth his age etc. He mentions his impatience to his sister one day and she says: "Dear brother, let us walk patiently in the path of duty marked out for us by God, and not attempt to break through the Hedge lest we find the Thorns again" (p 59).
Mr. Carrol's illness last for four years and then he dies, shortly after he dies Mrs. Carrol also dies. John reminds his readers that life is like a vapor and how quickly it appears then is gone, he says: "Our dear earthly parents work hard to provide for us and seldom with the appreciation that they deserve. Oh please honor they father and they mother, for tomorrow they cold be gone, as are mine. God has placed them as a heavenly hedge. But if this heavenly hedge be removed by his divine providence, then walk circumspectly. So much the more will you need to be on the alert, standing firm in the faith, because your adversary, the devil will attempt to devour you" (p 61).
Before Mrs. Carrol died, she had asked Mrs. Waring to watch over her children, this was a relief to Bell, but John was not as pleased, as he knows she is strict and might interfere with his plans. We learn that because his parents deaths were so close together, John has several debts to pay off, and finds it necessary to sell some furniture, which hurts his pride. Soon Mrs. Waring comes to live with John and Bell and with her help the debts are paid off in less than a year. John now finally has saved enough money to buy himself some new clothes and makes plans to go see William Croft.
The first Sunday John is wearing his new suit of clothes, he runs into William. William has two girls with him, these girls are ones his father had warned John and Bell about and John knows he should not be in their company. The four young people greet each other, and John says he has to go now, in order to get to church on time. William tries to convince him to wait, and one of the girl's tells John that the three of them are headed off to "church" in a different area. William catches her meaning, and persuades John to join them. John going against his conscience agrees and they head off.
It soon becomes apparent that they really aren't going to church, and John feeling guilty, is upset. They then run into this "church" and find, conveniently, that it is empty. The one girl makes the comment that it must be the week the pastor doesn't come. John by this time is upset with himself and the other for their deception. However, he still doesn't leave their company. Later one of the girl's brings out a "skin of spirits" (p 72). (alcohol) The girls and William begin pestering John to drink some, and after awhile John gives in and drinks it.
However, John drank too much, and is unable to get himself back home and spends the night outside. Around 3 in the morning he wakes up and finds himself drenched from rain. He also finds himself very numb and not able to walk. He says: "I was exceedingly hot when I had fallen asleep, and the damp and the cold of the night had so affected my limbs, and otherwise so materially injured my health, that I have never since recovered either; but I have had reason to cry, "O blessed sickness! O happy affliction! O welcome pain! By which I was restrained in my career of sin, and made to pause on the brink of destruction." " (p 74) John writes that: "But it must be understood that I was not brought to a state of resignation to the will of God till after a considerable time." (p 74)
The next several pages go on to talk about how John after much effort makes it home and tells his sister what happened and how he again "attempted to break through the Hedge, and have found the Thorns" (p 82). Mrs. Waring and Bell take care of John. Mrs. Waring encourages John saying:
"Therefore, my son, rejoice in your present troubles, and praise that merciful Providence by which your rebellious will was subdued, and glorify Him for those afflictions by which leads to blessedness. Have patience, wait on your Savior, be as a lily among the thorns, meekly following the leadings of Providence, and the Hedge of Thorns will mark your way to a crown of glory" (p 84).
Those are John's last written words in the book. The book ends with a section entitled "Remarks." In there we learn that John was ill for some time, during which, he wrote down this account. After his death, at the age of 22, his sister found his writings. Bell thought it would be a good for children and gave it to the local pastor. Despite the scars on Bell's face, she marries and takes care of Mrs. Waring in her "declining days" (p 87).
Hope you enjoyed this review! I will have some discussion questions in my next post. Have a great day!
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