JESSICA'S MOTHER by Hesba Stretton

Quick take:
The sequel to Jessica's First Prayer. Daniel, Jessica and the minister were at the church as a tragedy unfolded. Afterwards, Jessica’s mother is discovered on Daniel’s doorstep and demands Jessica. Daniel grows spiritually closer to God as he seeks to know how Jesus might respond.
My impression:
The story challenges one to evaluate how to treat a person in need when confronted in your own home.
Excerpt:
"'Couldn’t we pray to God,' suggested Jessica, again, 'now, before we go on any farther?'
'Maybe it would be the best thing to do,' agreed Daniel, rising from his chair and kneeling down with Jessica beside him. At first he attempted to pray like some of the church-members at the weekly prayer meeting, in set and formal phrases; but he felt that if he wished to obtain any real blessing he must ask for it in simple and childlike words, as if speaking face to face with his Heavenly Father; and this was the prayer he made, after freeing himself from the ceremonial etiquette of the prayer meetings:
'Lord, thou knowest that Jessica’s mother is come back, and what a drunken and disorderly woman she is, and we don’t know what to do with her, and the minister cannot give us his advice. Sometimes I’m afraid I love my money too much yet, but, Lord, if it’s that, or anything else that’s hard in my heart, so as to hinder me from doing what the Savior, Jesus Christ, would do if he was in my place, I pray thee to take it away, and make me see clearly what my Christian duty is. Dear Lord, I beseech thee keep both me and Jessica from evil.'"
   
JESSICA'S MOTHER by Hesba Stretton - Paperback - $5.95

JESSICA'S FIRST PRAYER by Hesba Stretton

Quick take:
Jessica, an inquisitive barefoot girl, took an interest in the coffee stall run by Daniel. Following Daniel into a strange building she began an adventure that will change her life. One of Hesba Stretton’s most popular tales, this heartwarming story was first published in 1867.
My impression:
A very touching story suitable for young children but interesting for any age. The story brings up moral issues such as showing favoritism, love of money, and turning from sin to trust Jesus for forgiveness.
Excerpt:
“Little girl,” said the elder child, in a composed and demure voice, “we don’t mean to be unkind to you; but what do you come here for, and why do you hide yourself behind the door?”
“I like to hear the music,” answered Jessica, “and I want to find out what pray is, and the minister, and God. I know it’s only for ladies and gentlemen, and fine children like you; but I’d like to go inside just for once, and see what you do.”
“You shall come with us into our pew,” cried Winny, in an eager and impulsive tone; but Jane laid her hand upon her out¬stretched arm, with a glance at Jessica’s ragged clothes and matted hair. It was a question difficult enough to perplex them. The little outcast was plainly too dirty and neglected for them to invite her to sit side by side with them in their crimson-lined pew, and no poor people attended the chapel with whom she could have a seat. But Winny, with flushed cheeks and indignant eyes, looked reproachfully at her elder sister.

JESSICA'S FIRST PRAYER by Hesba Stretton - Paperback - $6.95.

A MAN OF HIS WORD by Hesba Stretton

Quick take:
Christmas Williams was well respected in his town. He cared nothing for the new prayer meetings and the talk of God and Savior. When Christmas’ daughter, Easter, took up belief of Jesus as her Savior he threw her out of the house. She became married and had a son, but he kept his word and did not speak to them. The story progresses and “keeping his word” becomes hypocritical. In the end, much is learned about God.
My impression:
As usual Stretton gives much to think about. This is one of her shorter stories, but interesting. Issues involved are pride, reputation, overcoming stubbornness, and being true to your belief system.
Excerpt:

“‘A man can't be true,’ says Christmas, ‘until he is true towards God. I prided myself upon being a man of my word, and meaning all I said, though I spoke a lie every time I said, “I believe.” I didn't believe in God, nor in Jesus Christ our Lord, nor in having any sins to be forgiven. A man must be made true in the darkest corners of his heart before he can be a man of his word.’”

A MAN OF HIS WORD by Hesba Stretton - $4.95.

UNDER THE OLD ROOF by Hesba Stretton

Quick take:
When Richard, Abigail’s husband, died she was left with her son, Gabriel. She had worked hard to repurchase the house of her father, the “old roof.” When Dick, her stepson, comes home he tried to take the house away from Abigail and she is heartbroken. Dick’s lack of work ethic brought him low and he was forced to face himself during a severe sickness. Crying out for help he turned toward God for forgiveness.
My impression:
This is a great story, illuminating many issues including inheritance laws, industrious work, forgiveness, and accepting God’s providence.
Quote:
“I’m a wicked sinner,” he said; “but Jesus Christ has pardoned me; and to show I'm true and I'm not makin’ any pretence, I've been to lawyer Whitmore and found out the way of makin’ over the houses to mother, as they rightfully belong to. And I beg her pardon here, before you all, and I ask her to let me try to be a good son to her, and a good brother to poor Gideon.”

UNDER THE OLD ROOF by Hesba Stretton - Paperback - $5.95..