Discussion Questions on "The Hedge of Thorns"

I'd love to hear from those of you who have read "The Hedge of Thorns" Or, if you haven't read it, let me know your thoughts on the review. Here are a few questions to get you started!

Do you have a favorite part or quote in the book?
What do you like or dislike about the book?
Do you disagree with anything in there?
Were you surprised by the ending?
Any other thoughts?

I'd love to hear what you have to say!

When I first read the book, I was totally surprised that he died at such a young age! I was sort of expecting a more traditional "happy ending" to the book. Isn't it interesting (and sobering) how he only had the one "episode" of drinking and yet that "episode" is what cost him his life? I think it's neat how even though he was very ill, he recognized God's intervention, and how his illness prevented him from going down even further in the path of sin, which would have hurt him and others even more.

The Hedge of Thorns--John Hatchard Part 2

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!

The Hedge of Thorns--John Hatchard Part 1

Hello! Today I am going to be reviewing one of my favorite Lamplighter books. When I first read it a couple of years ago, I was very surprised with the ending! The book has just under 90 pages, and as with most of the Lamplighter books I review, it is designed for children. However, I personally think all of the Lamplighter books are good for any age! Although it is a "quick" read, I wouldn't necessarily consider it "easy." The book is a very sobering reminder of the importance of the "hedges" God gives us.

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...

The main character in the story is John Carrol and he is the one writing/narrating the book. We learn in the first chapter that his father is a gardener and both his parents are Christians and strive to apply Proverbs 22:6 with their children. When John is four, his sister Anna Bella is born. John calls her Bell and is glad when she is old enough to play with him. :-)

When Bell is four, a Mrs. Waring opens a school to teach the poor, and John's mother takes in "extra washings" to help pay for her two children to go to school. Along with their schooling, Mrs. Waring teaches them to memorize the Bible. We learn at this point the Carrol's don't own a Bible. However, shortly after this, John's father sells two cows so he can purchase a Bible.

The book goes on about a hedge of thorns that John and Bell see on their way to school. Soon John is wondering about these hedges and the wonderful things that could be behind them. Although, he knows that he isn't allowed to go there, the temptation is too much for him, and he begins making plans to find out what is behind them.

The day finally comes where John and Bell go to find out what is behind these hedges and John has Bell go first since she is smaller. Bell is afraid, but after some persuading, she goes. John begins to get impatient with her slow progress and pushes her. He stops however, when Bell cries out in pain--"My brother, my brother! The Thorns, the Thorns!" (p 26) John is alarmed by her cries and helps pull her out. He is horrified to see that "many large thorns that had pierced her face, head, and the sockets of her eyes" (p 26). (all parents, and probably the average reader feel equally horrified at this point in the story, in my opinion)

John is very frighted now, and watching the blood, begins crying louder than his sister. He picks her up and starts heading home. His mother hearing their cries, comes running, and takes Bell from him and goes to the house.

Mrs. Carrol takes out the thorns, cleans the blood up, and then asks John what happened. John explains what happened, and his mother knowing that the sight of his sister is punishment enough says:

"I shall inflict upon you no other punishment, than to look at your sister's bleeding and scarred face, and to consider that she is scarred and does bleed for your disobedience; and remember also, that this sin of disobedience to our heavenly Father, and the wicked wish of breaking the bounds appointed by Him, is the very crime that made it necessary for the Son of God to lay aside his crown of glory, and put on one of thorns." (p 28)

John is left to think about this, and when his father returns home, he writes how his father doesn't say a word but "looked so sorrowfully that it pierced my heart and hurt me more than if he had said a great deal to me." (p 30)

The next day, John's father wakes him up early, and takes him back to the where the hedge of thorns are at. His father then tells him of God's plan of salvation and they discuss it at length. John understands some of what his father says but still feels a little confused. His father then tells him:

"Our heavenly Father, having pity on His poor creatures, and having provided for them a means of salvation, disposes their affairs in life in that way which he sees will best work towards the attainment of this blessed purpose, that is their salvation; He knows the way they ought to go, and He puts, as it were, a Hedge on this side and on that side, to keep them on the path of righteousness. Some are hedged in by careful and vigilant parents, some by strict or hard masters, some by dying friends, some by unkind relations, some by the frown of the world, and some by the infirmities of their own minds." (p 37-38)

John's father goes on some more and then says...

"the thorns in the Hedges placed on each side of us by our Almighty Father are seldom felt by those who patiently walk in the paths appointed them, without attempting to break from them, either to the right or to the left; on the contrary, these fences often abound with fragrant flowers and pleasant herbs, which do greatly refresh the pilgrim as he passes between them in his way to everlasting glory. It is only when one grasps the stem of a rose that he becomes injured. Its thorns are actually a blessing in disguise for it requires its beholder to gently approach its beauty. Otherwise its petals would be destroyed by a careless and thoughtless traveler." (p 38-39)

Hope you enjoyed and were sobered by the first half of this book. I will review the next half tomorrow. Have a great day!

Children's Reading Material

This past weekend our church had a family retreat/camp out. While the adults were learning and having discussion time, I was asked, along with some teen helpers, to watch the younger children and have some discussion time with them. Overall we all had a good time together. (they got restless by the end of the day...not that I blame them... :-) ) During our time together we went over some children's tracts, watched a cartoon movie biography on Jim Elliot, and read some books. As a result, I thought I'd briefly review/summarize the books we read. The kids seemed to enjoy them, and the four I will be writing about are all geared toward the younger reading levels. Here they are!

The True Princess--Angela Hunt
The book has colorful illustrations making it very appealing for kids. Along with other places it is available through Lamplighter Publishing. The story is about a princess and her father the King. In the book, the King has to go on a journey, and he leaves his young daughter behind with her nurse--Nana. The princess up to this point, has not had to do any work and is used to people taking care of her. While the King is gone, Nana and the princess go into hiding. They go into disguise and work in a bakery. Through the course of the story, the princess must learn to work/bake, dress herself, sing to herself, and laugh at herself. The King finally returns, and by this time, several girls in the kingdom have "dressed up" as the princess, hoping the King will think that one of them is his daughter. The "true princess" remains in the background while the other girls talk to the King. The King asks them if they will do some work, or tell a joke, or sing for him, the girls say that they can't because "a true princess" has someone to do those things for her. Finally, the "real princess" comes forward and does the things the King asked, and the King welcomes back his daughter! It's a fun story and at the end asks the readers what God would have us to do for him. (serving others etc.)

Trusty: Tried and True--Mark and Deborah Hamby
The authors, are the ones who own the Lamplighter Publishing Company. This is another colorful story book written for kids. The story is about how a train gets stuck, and needs help getting pulled up a hill. Several other trains come that could help, but they don't want to. Finally, Trusty, the smallest train comes, and helps them! It's a great story and again teaches kids the importance of helping others.

Two other books we read were "They Didn't Use Their Heads" and "If Everybody Did" by JoAnn Stover. These books have black and white illustrations and are available through Bob Jones University. Again they are written for the young readers, and are great teaching tools. The kids really enjoyed the humor in these books. They Didn't Use Their Heads goes through a series of events about how people didn't use their heads and got hurt.
If Everybody Did teaches what happens if everybody did the exact same thing (example--jumping in the mud, slamming the door) and the consequences of it.

All four of these books are great for children and if you're looking for quality reading material I'd recommend them! Have a great day!

The White Dove--Christoph Von Schmid

Hello! My next book being reviewed will be a Lamplighter book. As a reminder, Lamplighter is a company that republishes old books. This story is about a knight and his family and is set in Germany.

Title: The White Dove
Author: Christoph Von Schmid
Published: Originally printed in 1841 and re-printed by Lamplighter in 1999.

Background Information: Lamplighter has republished many of Christoph Von Schmid's works, most notably would be "The Basket of Flowers." This is another quick and easy read book, has just under 80 pages. The Lamplighter website recommends this book for girls and boys ages 6-11. However, as with all of their books, they are great for any age! Also, as a reminder, it was written awhile ago, and so you do have to get used to the "old fashioned" flavor of it! :-)

The White Dove...

The Knight's name is Theobald, his wife is the Countess Othilia, and they have an eight year old daughter named Agnes. They all live in the castle of Falkenbourg. The book begins by introducing the characters and the various kind things they do for others.

One day, Agnes and her mother are outside and they hear a noise that startles them, Agnes is afraid to look up and see what it is. Her mother assures her, and they realize it is a dove. Her mother then suggests that they roast it for dinner. Agnes is horrified at the thought and says that the bird has put itself in their protection and that they shouldn't harm it. Her mother is pleased with her response and tells her that she is right and that she was testing her. Agnes is allowed to keep the dove as a pet, eventually it is tamed, and can the dove does not have to be kept in a cage.

The dove soon becomes an excellent object lesson for the Countess Othilia to teach her daughter lessons. When the dove wakes Agnes up early, her mother points out the importance of rising early to her, when the dove obeys Agnes, her mother notes how Agnes must always be prompt to obey her, when Agnes notes how clean the dove is, her mother uses that to emphasise the importance of Agnes keeping tidy. Another lesson, Agnes notes how grateful the dove is for the food she gives it, her mother points out that in turn, Agnes must always be grateful to God for His blessings.

One day a widow of a knight, Rosalind and her child Emma, come to Falkenbourg to seek the assistance of Knight Theobald. Rosalind tells how two other neighboring knights are coveting riches and are trying to rob her. When she finishes explaining the issues to Knight Theobald, he is very silent thinking on the matter. Agnes, misunderstanding his silence begs her father to help them, and reminds him of what her mother told her when they first saw the dove. She says:

"My dear father, have pity upon them. See! when my dove, flying from the talons of a bird of prey, came and put itself under my protection, my mother said to me: 'We must not drive away the unhappy who come to put themselves under our protection,' and she rejoiced on seeing m mercy towards the poor little creature. And this child and her mother, do not they deserve still more compassion and pity than a dove? Save them from the clutches of these worthless knights." (p 21)

Her father being moved, tells her that with God's help he will assist them, and explains that his silence was not from hesitation, but trying to determine the best way to help them. Knight Theobald confronts the "worthless knights" and gives them warnings to leave Rosalind alone, or he shall go to war against them. Knight Theobald returns and tells Rosalind and Emma that they can now safely return home. Before they leave, Agnes presents Emma her dove as a gift. At first Emma insists she should not be given the dove, but Agnes persists and Emma happily takes the dove home.

Agnes is a little sad after parting with her dove, and wonders if she should have given Emma something else. Her mother encourages her act and says: "The greatest and most noble gifts are those that come from a pure and sacrificial heart. It is always better to give than to receive my child. Though it is not always easy, it is always best." (p 26)

Rosalind and Emma return home, and after awhile some "pilgrims" come to visit them. (note to readers: when they say pilgrims, they do not mean our traditional American view of pilgrims. It's a little hard to explain, but it is more like someone who was visiting the Holy Land and they wear plain clothes etc. Hope that helps some!) These pilgrims tell Rosalind and Emma of their travels, and then before they leave ask for directions to Falkenbourg to see Knight Theobald and family. Rosalind tells them how to get there and sends a servant boy Linhard with them.

As these two pilgrims and Linhard travel, the pilgrims begin speaking in Italian. (they do not know that Linhard was originally from Italy and knew what they were saying) Linhard learns that these "pilgrims" are actually robbers in disguise and plan to kill and steal from the Knight Theobald and his family! Linhard is alarmed, yet pretends he does not know what they are saying, he also learns that they are going to kill him too when they get near a cliff. Linhard when they get to the bridge near the cliff pretends fright and insists that he return back. The robbers reluctantly agree, and after Linhard leaves, they tear the bridge down so no one can get to them. Linhard runs back to tell Rosalind the news.

Rosalind is distraught with the news, encourages her townspeople to help Knight Theobald and warn them. However, it is getting late, and they realize no one can get there in time. Emma remembers the dove, and they come up with the idea to attach a note to the dove and have it fly back to tell Theobald and the family.

This works! Agnes gets the note and her father immediately sets about to trap the "pilgrims" when they come. The robbers are shocked to find out that Theobald know everything, one robber is mostly angry, and the other bemoans about how he listened to him about how they could easily get rich. This robber is very repentant at having listened to him and knows that God will be punishing him. More traps are set for additional robbers who were going to assist the two traveling "pilgrims."

The story ends cheerfully, Rosalind and Emma come to Falkenbourg to celebrate with Theobald and family and they begin "toasting" Emma, and then through that course, realize that they should also toast Linhard, Emma's father who took Linhard in, and at the end they all agree that ultimately it is God who worked out the whole situation!
Knight Theobald also tells Linhard that he will take him in as a page, and Linhard encourages them to be a little kinder to the repentant robber, they all agree.

Othilia presents Emma with an olive branch in gold, that she has always used for her hair, and tells Emma "Let this olive branch, the glorious symbol of our safety, be to you, my dear Emma a feeble testimonial of our gratitude" (p 71).

The book ends with Othilia quoting these lines:

"Child, put thou in God above,
All thy faith and all they love.
Raise His temple in they heart;
From His Worship ne'rer depart.
Should the hour of danger lower,
Fear not then its threat'ning power.
Gathering tempests do not dread;
He shall always guard thy head.
Child, put thou in God above,
All thy faith, as in the dove."

Hope you enjoyed this review! It's a great story and a good teaching tool for children to realize God's Sovereignty and how He is involved with even the smallest things, like a dove, in our lives!

The Three Weavers--Annie Fellows

Hello all! The next book I will be reviewing is a Lamplighter book. For those of you unfamiliar with the Lamplighter company, it is a company that reprints old Christian books (mostly fiction). They edit them somewhat, revise them with lovely hardback covers, and keep the general "old fashioned" flavor to the books. The books they reprint are usually from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. I have several of their books, and you can expect a lot of reviews on them in the next few weeks and months. :-) Anyway...onward to the book itself!

Title: The Three Weavers: A Tale for Fathers and Daughters

Author: Annie Fellows

Published: Original date unknown, reprinted in 2001. I believe another edition of this book has been printed which is illustrated and designed for children.

Background Information: Annie Fellows is also the author of another Lamplighter book called "Joel: A Boy of Galilee."
This small book contains just under 60 pages and can be read very quickly. It is written in a way for younger girls/children, however, the story is good for all ages.
A great book for the whole family--especially for fathers and daughters! I bought this book awhile ago, and I just re-read it today so I could review it. :-)

"The Three Weavers: A Tale for Fathers and Daughters" is about, as you may have guessed, three weavers. :-) It is written in a classic sort of fairy tale way. The three weavers all live near each other, and equal blessings happen to each of them: they all have a daughter, born on the same day! However, even though their situations are very similar for each weaver, the individual weaver (father) has a different way of weaving their merchandise and in the way they raise their daughters. On the day of their daughters birth, "Clotho, the weaver of weavers" gives each child/father a gift--a tiny loom. The fathers are informed that their daughters will wed a royal prince. However, the girls, in order to wed their royal princes, must be worthy of them! They are to each make a mantle that is fit for their prince. The looms are also special in the way they are created. Every year that passes, the loom "grows" to fit the size of the daughter. Each father realizes he is imparted with the responsibility to help his daughter become ready for her prince. So...now the interesting part of the story begins.

The first father/weaver--he considers the loom to be something of a toy. He allows his daughter to play with it and "weave her fancies and dreams on her own." As the story progresses, his daughter will see a young man and think, "maybe this is my prince!" and she will make a mantle for him. The father, rather than correcting his daughter, allows her dreams and even encourages/teases her about other young men, saying..."maybe this is your prince." As a result, she gives a lot of mantles to many young men, and by the time her prince comes, she has given all of her cloth away and only has a small piece left to give to her prince. The prince sees the small garment and that it cannot fit him. He rides off, leaving a distraught father and daughter.

The second father/weaver--he worries about the loom, and he is afraid his daughter will use it unwisely and plans on not telling her about it until she is grown. So he hides it away. In the story, the first daughter tells the other two daughters about her loom. These other two daughters are quite surprised, as their fathers have not told them about such a loom and the prince they are to wed. This second daughter asks her father about it. The father, rather than telling her about the loom, dismisses it, and tells her to ask him about it when she is "a woman full grown." This second daughter is upset, and tells the other two daughters. The first daughter then helps her to find her loom. After finding it, this second daughter begins weaving in secret, disobeying her father. She soon sees a young man and thinks that maybe this is her prince. So she makes a mantle for this young man she believes to be her prince. When the true prince comes, the father is shocked and angry to learn what his daughter has done. He sees the young man his daughter thought was "the one" and takes the mantle off of him and tries to get the prince to wear it. However, this mantle was made in the daughter's youth and for another boy. The prince sees the mantle was not meant for him and rides off...leaving a distraught father and daughter behind.

The third father/weaver--he takes a similar approach to the second father. He does not tell his daughter about the loom, but he works with his daughter to help her learn the duties fit for a princess. When his daughter confronts him about the loom, he tells her about it. He explains to her the importance of the loom and making the right mantle for her prince and not allowing her temporary passions to get in the way. He shows his daughter a yardstick that they will use to measure the mantle for her prince. As he goes on to explain the importance of waiting for her prince, his daughter is sobered by it, and she promises to wait. As the story goes on, occasionally a knight comes by, and the daughter asks her father..."is this the one?" He tells her no and explains why. By the end of the story, the true prince comes, and the daughter is able to give him the mantle which she has worked on. It fits him perfectly! She is able, with the blessing of her father, to ride off with her prince.

The books ends with this verse: Proverbs 31: 30 "Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."

This is a sobering allegory of the responsibilities of fathers helping their daughters waiting for the right prince. I hope you enjoyed the summary, I know it was long! :-) If you ever run into a copy of it, I recommend you read it. It would be a great gift for a father and/or a daughter! :-)