Book Notes: The Hedge of Thorns

 The Hedge of Thorns, by John Carrol (1611)

I just finished a delightful short read. I love that this book is very moral and sweet. There is a gentleness and beauty of the writing and feelings within. IT is about a brother and his coming to view the world as God protecting him by a hedge of thorns. He learns great lessons we must all learn, and has such a sweet relationship with his sister throughout the story. Here are my notes...

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On speaking of his Father: (and growing up in his family)

"...on being endowed with a mind as lovely as the flowers which he was employed to cultivate; for he was, as I have no doubt, early chosen by God, and precious in his sight, and enabled, by the power of his Holy Spirit, to overcome, in a great measure, the original depravity of his nature, and to seek "whatsoever things are lovely, and of good report."

"...yet, from constantly reading the Bible and thinking of holy things, being no doubt taught of God the Spirit, he had such sweet sayings, as made my heart burn within me when I heard him speak."

"I had acquired an education superior to my station: I had a clear knowledge of the leading doctrines and history of Christian religion, and my habits were moral; but the seat of my religion, was yet rather in my head than my heart. My parents and teachers had done what they could. Paul planteth, Apollos watereth, but it is God which must give the increase."

"Oh how little do children know what parents sometimes endure for their sake! Otherwise they would bless every affliction which might lead them to show piety at home, and to requite their parents, for that is acceptable to God."

"It is the Holy Spirit only that can prepare the heart to submit to salutary discipline."

"It is very sweet to me to think I and my children are walking within the bounds which our Father has appointed, that we are where he wishes us to be, that he hedges us in to the right and left, cmopasseth our paths, and our lying down, and our rising up: If this thought, even under the hidings of his facewhen our path is strewed with thorns is so exceedingly comfortable, how much more should it be when he crowns us with blessings as he now does, when he makes our way to blossom as the rose and the sun shine on all our paths."

"If you wish to be happy in this apartment, or in any other place or situation whatever, sanctify it to God--seek to do his whole will in it--enjoy with aa thankful heart the refreshments he gives you by the way, the beautiful prospects, the beautiful breezes, the quiet hours, the sweet opportunities of communion with himself, the intercouse with dear relations; but recollect that the moment you attempt to break the bounds appointed by God, you will be pierced through with many sorrows; you will then find the thorns..."

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On the Hedge:

"If it was not for that naughty hedge on one side, we might get to the top of those hills, and then we should be as high as the clouds; or we might find apples fallen from those tree; or, if we could break down the hedge on the other side, we might perhaps see the end of the world, and the place when the sun goes at night." (in trying to persuade his sister to find out with him what lay on the other side)

"But when I lay down that night, I was not happy: my wicked will rose up against the Hedge of Thorns. I could not think of heaven or of any good thing. I had no pleasure in saying my prayers, but I cried till I fell asleep. The next morning I awoke in the same disposition and resolved that I would that very day endeavor to break through the hedge." (on attempting to break through and getting caught the first time)

Three things Father told Son about Hedge's Purpose...

1. To keep from Sin

2. To help become holy
3. Because God orders all things for our good: "Every little outward event and circumstance of a man's life is ordered by God for his good, as is seen in the cases of those who humbly submit themselves to the will of their Heavenly Father; for we cannot doubt that all things work together for good to those that love God." (Romans 8:28)

"...the thorns in the hedge placed on each side 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."

"What means did the Lord use to save your sister?
"The thorns Father."
"Are they not blessed thorns then? Do you not now thank God for this HEdge of Thorns! I trust, my son, that the time will come, that you will thank God for evey affliction, however bitter, which he makes use of to keep you from sin."

"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."

"And now that I was for the first time in my life, in so glaring a manner breaking the bounds of duty, and destroying the encompassing fence which my HEavenly Father has put on the side of my path, I felt the thorns of conscience strike to my soul. However, with much fair speech, my companions drew me on, and forced me with the flattery of their lips."

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"I thank God that he gave me grace to confess the whole truth, and to own how I had been tempted to wish to break the bounds which were set me, and to lead, and almost compel, my little sister to commit the same sin." (after attempting to break through the hedge by pushing his sister through)

"I shall inflict upon you no other punishment than to look at your sisters bleeding cheek, and to consider that she bleeds 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, in order to save us from hell, for the Son of God to lay aside his crown of glory and put on one of thorns." (Mother's response to him trying to break through the hedge)

"Inasmuch as that happiness of a future life will consist in union with Christ, and that this union cannot exist where the will is not conformed entirely to God; every thing then which tends to the breaking of this stubborn will, is a step to glory. O this account the saints rejoice in tribultations, knowing that tribulation worketh patience, and patience, experience, and experience, hope; and hope maketh not ashamed because of the love of God shed abroad in the hearts of men."