LITTLE HENRY AND HIS BEARER by Mary Martha Sherwood

Quick take:
Little Henry’s parents died shortly after his birth and he was raised in India by his bearer, a servant who takes care of children. He was taught the Hindu religion until a missionary lady from England taught him about Jesus Christ, and he embraced salvation wholeheartedly. When she left she told him, by God’s grace, to try to bring his bearer to Christ. He pursued this fruitlessly for a long while. It wasn’t until Henry was on his deathbed, at 8 years old, did his bearer come to Christ.
My impression:
An interesting story of a nineteenth century missionary to India.
Quote:“Her next lesson, therefore, was to explain to him what the Lord Jesus Christ had done for him; how ‘God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory;’ 1 Timothy 3:16; and how ‘we have redemption through his blood,’ he ‘having made peace for us through the blood of his cross.’ Colossians 1:14,20.”
Quote:“She had also provided herself with one of the Hindoo gods made of baked earth; and she bade him look at it, and examine it well: she then threw it down upon the floor, and it was broken into an hundred pieces. Then she said, ‘Henry, what can this god do for you? it cannot help itself. Call to it, and ask it to get up. You see it cannot move.’—And that day the little boy was convinced by her arguments.”
Background:
This true narrative was very popular in the early 19th century and reportedly sold numerous editions and was translated into many languages.

LITTLE HENRY AND HIS BEARER by Mary Martha Sherwood - Paperback - $5.95.

THE SHEPHERD OF SALISBURY PLAIN by Hannah More

Quick take:
David Sanders was a shepherd who tended his flocks on Salisbury Plain, England, during the eighteenth century. Mr. Johnson, who is Hannah More’s friend Dr. Stonhouse, found him to be an intriguing man of faith because of his humble and peaceful attitude about life, while having modest material wealth. He delighted in his occupational counterparts like Moses, David and other shepherds. This true narrative was very popular when written and is filled with the thoughtful insights of a simple man with an old family Bible.
My impression:
A touching story of a very poor shepherd with a very humble sense of graciousness. The excerpt below about accepting the day's weather is great to honor God's sovereignty.
Quote:
“It was to shepherds keeping their flocks by night, that the angels appeared in Bethlehem, to tell the best news, the gladdest tidings, that ever were revealed to poor sinful men; often and often has the thought warmed my poor heart in the coldest night, and filled me with more joy and thankfulness than the best supper could have done.”
Excerpt:
“Mr. Johnson, who was on a journey, and somewhat fearful from the appearance of the sky, that rain was at no great distance, accosted the shepherd with asking what sort of weather he thought it would be on the morrow.
‘It will be such weather as pleases me,’ answered the shepherd.
Though the answer was delivered in the mildest and civilest tone that could be imagined, the gentleman thought the words themselves rather rude and surly, and asked him how that could be.
‘Because,’ replied the shepherd, ‘it will be such weather as shall please God, and whatever pleases him, always pleases me.’
Mr. Johnson, who delighted in good men and good things, was very well satisfied with his reply. For he justly thought, that though a hypocrite may easily contrive to appear better than he really is to a stranger, and that no one should be too soon trusted, merely for having a few good words in his mouth; yet, as he knew that ‘out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh,’ he always accustomed himself to judge favorably of those who had a serious deportment and solid manner of speaking. ‘It looks as if it proceeded from a good habit,’ said he, ‘and though I may now and then be deceived by it, yet it has not often happened to me to be so. Whereas, if a man accosts me with an idle, dissolute, vulgar, indecent, or profane expression, I have never been deceived in him, but have generally on inquiry, found his character to be as bad as his language gave me room to expect.’
He entered into conversation with the shepherd in the following manner: ‘Yours is a troublesome life, honest friend,’ said he.
‘To be sure, sir,’ replied the shepherd, ‘ ’tis not a very lazy life; but ’tis not near so toilsome as that which my GREAT MASTER led for my sake; and he had every state and condition of life at his choice, and chose a hard one, while I only submit to the lot that is appointed me.’ ”
Background:
This narrative was published as part of the "Cheap Repository Tracts," in 1795.
   
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THE MOUNTAIN MILLER by William A. Hallock

Quick take:
Joseph Beals (1752-1813), also called The Mountain Miller, lived a life of trusting in his own righteousness for the salvation of his soul. He was strict with his family and townspeople thought he was blameless. After loosing his house to a fire, he consecrated his life to Christ. His wife was very upset with the whole affair and steadfastly refused to go with him, and even dreamed of his death. She finally repented and joined him in the faith. Joseph Beals was known as a model of Christian piety.
My impression:
A testimony of the saving grace of God. A portrait of a very spiritually minded man.
Quote:
"From the time of his conversion, the language of his heart in every trying dispensation seemed to be, 'It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good.'"
Excerpt:
“Her husband enjoyed a cheering hope of his acceptance in Jesus Christ—a hope which the reader will not be disposed to think unfounded, when he learns the fruits by which it was accompanied, in that best of all evidences, a holy life. Such fruits of the Spirit, I cannot but remark for the benefit especially of young readers, are evidences of saving conversion, on which we should chiefly rely, whether the particular hour of our deliverance from condemnation is known to us, as was joyfully the case with the subject of this narrative, or not. The grand question to be solved is, whether we have surrendered our hearts to Christ—whether, whereas once we were blind, now we see—whether we have now the graces of the Spirit in exercise, proving our union with Christ. The manner of the Spirit’s operations in different minds is very diverse: the radical change from sin to holiness is essentially the same in all who are truly converted to God.
From the time of the conversion of the subject of this narrative, his heart became engaged in all those religious duties which he had hitherto performed with a cold formality. His hopes of salvation, which before were grounded on his morality, now rested on the atoning sacrifice of Christ, through repentance and faith wrought in him by the Holy Spirit. His own sinfulness, apart from the merits of Christ, appeared greater than ever before; but he saw there was perfect efficacy in the blood of the Lamb of God to take away all his sins. He put his trust in that Savior, and found him ‘worthy of all acceptation.’ His irritable temper became mild, and his heart expanded in love to God and man. He became an example of meekness and devotion to the cause of his Redeemer; and early in 1791 publicly consecrated himself to him, by uniting with a small evangelical church which had been formed in the district where he resided.”
Background:
This was published as American Tract Society tract #254, in the nineteenth century.

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THE VILLAGE IN THE MOUNTAINS

Quick take:
Merchant men traveled from Paris to the mountains to check on manufacturer's established there. They are accepted into a home of a poor woman who was a weaver. The villagers are industrious and charitable people. They are zealous and meet secretly for church meetings. The men realize there is a shortage of Bibles in the village, and later bring some. Then they send more Bibles. Then more Bibles. When the villagers were about to be persecuted by the Catholic mayor of the town, the mayor was so moved by their meeting that he wanted a Bible for himself.
My impression:
A revealing narrative of rural French life in the 1800’s.
Quote:“These doctrines, sir,” exclaimed the female, “support the hearts of many of us, who have scarcely travelled beyond our own neighborhood; and it is so rare and so delightful to hear them from others, that, if it will not be an abuse of your Christian politeness, I would request you to alight, and visit my humble apartment."
Excerpt:
"After addressing the throne of grace, M. —— read a part of the fourth chapter of the Acts of the Apostles. He turned their attention more especially to that interesting passage in the twelfth verse: 'There is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.' He endeavored to point out to them the exceeding sinfulness of sin, the awful consequences of violating the law of God, the inefficacy of all those expedients which the ignorance, the pride, or the self-righteousness of men had substituted for the 'only name' Christ Jesus. He spoke of the necessity of this great sacrifice on the cross, of the love of God in sending his Son into the world, of the fullness and all-sufficiency of the mighty redemption, and of the duty of sinners to accept it and live. 'It is through Christ alone,' said he, 'that you can have hope of pardon and salvation. You must take up the cross and follow Christ. You must renounce your sins and flee to Christ. You must renounce your own righteousness, and trust alone in Christ. You must renounce all other lords, and submit to Christ. If you had offended an earthly monarch, to whom you could have access only through his son, would you address yourselves to his servants, rather than his son? And will you then, in the great concerns of your souls, go to any other than the Son? Will you have recourse to the Virgin Mary, or some favored servant, rather than address yourselves to Him who is "the way, and the truth, and the life?" and when God himself assures us, that "there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved?" ' "
Background:
This was published as American Tract Society tract #193, in the nineteenth century. Dictated by S. V. S. Wilder, Esq. President of the ATS; 1st 8 pages written by Rev. Mark Wilks, of Paris; the remainder by Rev William A. Hallock secretary for the ATS; Revised by Rev. Gardiner Spring, D. D.

MARY OF TOULOUSE

Quick take:
The beliefs of Romanism are contrasted with that of Protestantism. A visitor to the south of France meets Mary, a 50 year old woman, who was illiterate and practiced her religion of Romanism. He took it upon himself to teach her to read the Bible and pray daily. Mary began to see that her religion did not match that of the Bible, and changed her views.
My impression:
The call to examine one’s own life for the genuineness of Christian life and to detect meaningless ritual that does not serve the living God.
Quote:
"Pray fervently that, through the grace of the Lord Jesus and the aid of the Holy Spirit, you may be turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God; otherwise you will perish in your sins, and be cast into the lake of unquenchable fire, where there is weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth for ever and ever."
Excerpt:
"Mary’s life and death are full of salutary instruction. The reader of this narrative will remember how very different her character and dispositions were before and after her conversion to God. Before she had received a new heart and a right spirit, she was debased by foolish superstitions and fatal ignorance of the only way of salvation, pursuing a course of vanity and sin; yet all the while under the strange delusion that she was a Christian, because born and baptized in the church of her fathers. But no sooner were her eyes opened to see her guilt and danger—no sooner was she brought by divine mercy to weep over her sins, and turn from the error of her ways to that Redeemer who is not less willing than mighty to save all who come unto God by him, than we behold her reverencing that sacred day which she had so long slighted and abused—we see her diligently employed from day to day, and sometimes for hours together, in the study of God’s holy will and commandments, and testifying her love to her Savior by various acts of kindness and affection, more particularly by zeal and solicitude for the eternal welfare of her fellow-creatures; evidencing, in short, throughout her latter days, both in life and conversation, that she was a new creature, 'delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of God’s dear Son.' Who that remembers her earnest desire to give up herself to God and be saved, can doubt her having chosen, with her namesake of old, that good part which shall never be taken from her? Luke 10:42. Or who can hesitate to believe that she is now numbered with those myriads of angelic spirits who are incessantly chanting the new song of the redeemed: 'Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.' 'Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb,' Revelation 5:12; 7:10."
Background:
This was published as American Tract Society Tract #522, in the nineteenth century.

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BETSY BARTLETT

Quick take:
Betsy Bartlett was a 14 year old girl who dealt with a bad temper. She left home and took a job as a household servant. When she was corrected in her duties, she started to cry. The story teaches the positive aspects of how a willing temperament is useful on the job; and the character of taking time to do a job well.
My impression:
Although it seems like a children’s story, it is very adult in the topics discussed. Interesting and useful to anyone that deals with pride, people pleasing or willingness to learn.
Important quote:“But, Betsy, my girl, you can’t bear being found fault with, and that’s the truth.”
Excerpt:
"But more than this, Betsy had learned that God had sent his only Son to be the Savior of the world, and promised forgiveness and eternal happiness to all who believe in him, and through the cleansing grace of the Holy Spirit, turn from the love and ways of sin. Great and precious truths! from which the youngest and the poorest may find comfort and peace.
'Well, Betsy,' said Mrs. Dalton, 'your teacher seems to have diligently done her part in pointing out to you the way of salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ. I trust you are seeking strength to do yours; asking God to direct you from day to day, and to make you his loving, obedient child. For, as you may remember, it is written, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." ' "
Background:
Part of the Water Lily Series published by The Religious Tract Society. c1879.

THE DAIRYMAN'S DAUGHTER by Legh Richmond

Quick take:
Rev. Legh Richmond became acquainted with Elizabeth Wallbridge, the Dairyman’s Daughter, when he officiated the funeral of her sister. Elizabeth described how she turned from the vanity of dressing finely and clothed herself with humility of Christ. The visits and letters between them were recorded in this testimony of God’s work.
My impression:
The attitude and outlook of Elizabeth Wallbridge expresses an uncommon closeness and devotion to God.
An aside:
In 1828, it was reported that 4,000,000 copies of The Dairyman's Daughter were circulated in nineteen different languages, resulting in a multitude of saving graces.
Quote:
“But, in general, if we want to see religion in its purest character, we must look for it among the poor of this world, who are rich in faith.”
Important excerpt:
" 'Sir, be fervent in prayer with God for the conviction and conversion of sinners. His power is great, and who can withstand it? He has promised to answer the prayer of faith, that is put up in his Son's name. ‘Ask what you will, and it shall be granted you.' How this should strengthen our faith, when we are taught by the Word and the Spirit how to pray! O that sweet inspiring hope! how it lifts up the fainting spirits, when we look over the precious promises of God! What a mercy if we know Christ, and the power of his resurrection in our own hearts! Through faith in Christ we rejoice in hope, and look up in expectation of that time drawing near, when all shall know and fear the Lord, and when a nation shall be born in a day.
'What a happy time, when Christ's kingdom shall come! Then shall ‘his will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.' Men shall be daily fed with the manna of his love, and delight themselves in the Lord all the day long. Then, what a paradise below they will enjoy! How it animates and enlivens my soul with vigor to pursue the ways of God, that I may even now bear some humble part in giving glory to God and the Lamb!' "
Another excerpt:“Do any of my readers inquire why I describe so minutely the circumstances of prospect and scenery which may be connected with the incidents I relate? My reply is, that the God of redemption is the God of creation likewise; and that we are taught in every part of the Word of God to unite the admiration of the beauties and wonders of nature to every other motive for devotion. When David considered the heavens, the work of God’s fingers, the moon and the stars which He has ordained, he was thereby led to the deepest humiliation of heart before his Maker.”
Note:
Also available: The Young Cottager and The African Servant all by Legh Richmond.

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COMMENTARY ON JOHN BUNYAN'S THE HOLY WAR

Quick take:The city of Mansoul, which represents the soul of man, unknowingly finds itself under attack by Diabolus, who represents Satan. The city is deceived to follow Satan in much the same manner as in the Garden of Eden. The ensuing chapters trace God’s operations to regain the city. After the city turns back to God, Diabolus attacks again to try to conquer once more. All aspects of life, attitudes, and character are represented by names, such as Mr. Hard-Heart and Mr. Carnal-Security. This is an epic story of good vs. evil.
My impression:“The Holy War” is familiar to every believer in Christ. It is the battle of good and evil in daily life. I found many parts amusing such as Mr. Tradition, who is able to serve on both sides of the war; and the Diabolonian armor such as the “shield of unbelief.”
Visit my The Holy War blog site.
Important excerpt:“Then the Prince called for the prisoners to come and to stand again before him, and they came and stood trembling. And he said unto them, ‘The sins, trespasses, iniquities that you, with the whole town of Mansoul, have from time to time committed against my Father and me, I have power and commandment from my Father to forgive to the town of Mansoul, and do forgive you accordingly.’ ”

COMMENTARY ON JOHN BUNYAN'S THE HOLY WAR by Robert Maguire - Paperback - $9.95.

THE STORM OF LIFE by Hesba Stretton

Quick take:
Rachel Trevor is released from prison and goes looking for her child, Rosy, at the workhouse. They are desolate and cold as they search for food and work, having no luck. A chimney sweeper takes them in and offers domestic employment. They meet Rachel’s husband accidentally, but she does not want to fall back in her old ways with him. She accepts her duties as wife reluctantly and shows unusual strength in bearing out the burden while trying to resist evil.
Important quote:“Christ loves me, God loves me. Thou God seest me."
My impression:
A moving (sometimes very bleak) story that held my attention and had an encouraging message of hope in God through severe trials.
Important excerpt:“Remember that Christ, my Lord, came to seek and save those that are lost. You know you are lost; He is seeking you, and He will save you. Keep in mind that He is always at your side; a friend that will grieve and morn over you more than I should, if you fall again into sin. He died to set you free from sin, and to open the gates of heaven for you. My poor Rachel can you sin with your Savior’s eyes looking on?”

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