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The Hedge of Thorns
Based on a true story, here is a gripping account of a young boy who learns the hard way that the choices we make can harm those we love the most. Because he desperately wants to know what is on the other side of a hedge of thorns, he puts his little sister in great danger. From his experience, we learn that God places boundaries in our lives because He loves us.
88 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1819
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
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May 21, 2016I'm not really sure how to rate this...so I'm not even going to try. The morals were good, and the message was very interesting, but it was a very basic and elementary style writing, and that's just not my thing. So there were good sides and bad sides to it.
July 25, 2018
What a sweet little classic!!! I read this in less than an hour..
The thing I liked most was that it was a true story, and the message John gives is so good!!!! WOW.
Definitely recommend.
The thing I liked most was that it was a true story, and the message John gives is so good!!!! WOW.
Definitely recommend.
April 20, 2013
This is one of my favorite Lamplighters Books. It is certainly an unforgettable one. We have many good discussions every time we read or listen to this book. It is a true story and poignantly communicates the effects of sin and moving beyond God's boundaries in our life. I highly recommend this book.
July 13, 2016
What a wonderful application of Scripture. Simple and sincere, this story touches the heart and the reader receives the genuinely repentant spirit of the writer. Such a message should be enjoyed by all.
December 4, 2023
a strong staple of my childhood :’) loved. but i like the audio drama more
April 3, 2018
After a devotional study of the Hebrew word "shamar"(a primitive root) and its Greek equivalents, which included an in-depth look at most of the scriptures containing multiple nuances of its meaning, I began to mull over various applications.
While taking a breather, I was surprised to find how closely other's thoughts had run alongside of mine. It took the wind out of my "writing sails" when I found this children's picture book had so masterfully captured the wisdom of a "shamar" ~ a hedge placed round about (as with thorns).
As for basing my story on a true story like this one and so poignantly illustrating the necessity of the Loving Shepherd's thorny hedge of protection - how could I say it any better? It even ran with my thoughts on the crown of thorns; but I was still grappling with what that meant exactly, while the author or adaptor had long ago soared ahead with a simple explanation of how a thorny hedge ran semi-parallel with the circle of thorns Christ wore on His brow.
After my meditations had made me a bit more weary, I was humbled to see how glorious - refreshing - child-like, yet, how thorough the full meaning, the imagery, yes, even some of my own thoughts had been presented to me with convicting contrition. Yes! "Tell me the story simply, as to a little child, for I am weak and weary, and helpless and defiled".
Glory to The Lamb which heldfast to the path of the cross for His sheep - He thought little of the shame; His death would usher in the victorious joy of His eternal reign - eternal salvation to all who believe.
Truth wisely crafted can take my breath away, as Solomon's wisdom took Queen Sheba's' away. More importantly, because this timely discovery was on the heels of my own devotional study; It drew the LORD - nearer still nearer- to this needy heart; I wept with thankfulness.
Yes, and Amen, to a story that made me WANT to stay, even nearer, close to Him
~ stay on His level righteous path ~ to remind me of the danger ~ the pain of straying.
Although, in the midst of my thinking to pen a similar story, I felt a bit disappointed that this particular thorny/sharpening labor had been graciously completed for me. Yet, due to the weariness of my way this providential encouragement was just what I needed.
It was from my Loving Heavenly Father!
One day, perhaps, He'll enable me to emulate such an illustrative story, using "shamar", one of its nuances, or a completely different thought; maybe I'll discover I already have such a story, maybe it will spur many more shepherding stories for the little lambs in my life.
"Fold me, O fold me, close to Thy breast (heart); shelter me safe in that haven of rest."
While taking a breather, I was surprised to find how closely other's thoughts had run alongside of mine. It took the wind out of my "writing sails" when I found this children's picture book had so masterfully captured the wisdom of a "shamar" ~ a hedge placed round about (as with thorns).
As for basing my story on a true story like this one and so poignantly illustrating the necessity of the Loving Shepherd's thorny hedge of protection - how could I say it any better? It even ran with my thoughts on the crown of thorns; but I was still grappling with what that meant exactly, while the author or adaptor had long ago soared ahead with a simple explanation of how a thorny hedge ran semi-parallel with the circle of thorns Christ wore on His brow.
After my meditations had made me a bit more weary, I was humbled to see how glorious - refreshing - child-like, yet, how thorough the full meaning, the imagery, yes, even some of my own thoughts had been presented to me with convicting contrition. Yes! "Tell me the story simply, as to a little child, for I am weak and weary, and helpless and defiled".
Glory to The Lamb which heldfast to the path of the cross for His sheep - He thought little of the shame; His death would usher in the victorious joy of His eternal reign - eternal salvation to all who believe.
Truth wisely crafted can take my breath away, as Solomon's wisdom took Queen Sheba's' away. More importantly, because this timely discovery was on the heels of my own devotional study; It drew the LORD - nearer still nearer- to this needy heart; I wept with thankfulness.
Yes, and Amen, to a story that made me WANT to stay, even nearer, close to Him
~ stay on His level righteous path ~ to remind me of the danger ~ the pain of straying.
Although, in the midst of my thinking to pen a similar story, I felt a bit disappointed that this particular thorny/sharpening labor had been graciously completed for me. Yet, due to the weariness of my way this providential encouragement was just what I needed.
It was from my Loving Heavenly Father!
One day, perhaps, He'll enable me to emulate such an illustrative story, using "shamar", one of its nuances, or a completely different thought; maybe I'll discover I already have such a story, maybe it will spur many more shepherding stories for the little lambs in my life.
"Fold me, O fold me, close to Thy breast (heart); shelter me safe in that haven of rest."
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June 13, 2025Something to read with your kids around the dinner table. Fun quick read.
July 11, 2025
one of the saddest but most powerful stories
March 30, 2008
I read this book for my literature course, but I loved it just the same! It was very short, and I read it in one night, but got a lot out of it. It is the true story of a boy's life, and how the sinful choices he makes affects him and all around him. The wisdom his father gives him is excellent, with a spot-on Christian worldview. When he is a young man, he eventually dies because of some sinful behavior, but before he does, he repents and becomes a Christian. The really neat part is that this book was actually written by this man before he died! Wow! A very old book, originally published in the 1600's. It doesn't take much time to read, so I encourage you to do it! :-)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 14, 2015
We read this book to our children when they were young. It is one of those excellent devotional classics from the 19th century. It has a clear message to stay on the narrow road and how God in His providence hedges us in, as it were, with a hedge of thorns to keep us from sinning.
This is an important read for Christian parents to read to their children. And re-read. My daughter, who is presently 34 years of age, has again attempted to break through the hedge of thorns in her life to her everlasting shame and regret and to the grief of her parents. We can only pray that she will recover from the error of her ways and return to the love of her Father in heaven and her family on earth.
This is an important read for Christian parents to read to their children. And re-read. My daughter, who is presently 34 years of age, has again attempted to break through the hedge of thorns in her life to her everlasting shame and regret and to the grief of her parents. We can only pray that she will recover from the error of her ways and return to the love of her Father in heaven and her family on earth.
October 22, 2009
This true story illustrates that our loving heavenly Father places hedges of thorns in our lives to protect us from harm. We sometimes see those loving hedges as a hindrance to what we consider good and desirable(our will). When we choose to push through the hedge we are often hurt, wounded or injured in some way. This pain is a blessing of love from our heavenly Father as it reminds us of His care for us and His desire to help us stay on the narrow way. Beautiful illustrations, heart wrenching story, deep and sobering truth.
September 8, 2016
Based on a true story, this is a gripping account of a young boy who learns the hard way that the choices we make can harm those we love the most. Because he desperately wants to know what is on the other side of a hedge of thorns, he puts his little sister in great danger. From his experience, we learn that God places boundaries in our lives because He loves us. This story is written from a definite Christian worldview. It is one of the finest tales of the consequences of disobedience I've ever read. I highly recommend this small book.
April 24, 2010
Take the time to read this one. It only takes a few minutes and the life changing lesson will indeed stay with you for the rest of your life. You'll never look at a hedge of thorns the same way again! You can read it free at http://books.google.com/books?id=AoEB...
November 10, 2012
This was a wonderful story! We just read it as a read aloud for the whole family. So many wonderful gospel truths about the Hedges God places in our lives for our own good, as well as the consequences of breaking through those hedges. Often our disobedience affects more than just ourselves. A must read for your children!
November 8, 2016
Oh such a fantastic book! It is so perfect for my children too (older boy and younger girl) just like in the book. This is another audio we listened to from Lamplighter theatre a little over a year ago. We look forward to comparing it with the book....3/4/15
Jacob read the picture book rewritten by Mary Hamilton for November Pizza Hut reading challenge..krb 11/8/16 He rates this 3 stars.
Jacob read the picture book rewritten by Mary Hamilton for November Pizza Hut reading challenge..krb 11/8/16 He rates this 3 stars.
March 24, 2022
Wow... just... wow.
I sat down and read this in less than an hour. In that short amount of time, my heart was torn to shreds and convicted. The truths conveyed in this little book are vital to our lives.
Though it's written differently than most books today, the story is different than most books today; please don't discard the lessons that it has to offer.
I sat down and read this in less than an hour. In that short amount of time, my heart was torn to shreds and convicted. The truths conveyed in this little book are vital to our lives.
Though it's written differently than most books today, the story is different than most books today; please don't discard the lessons that it has to offer.
July 28, 2009
one of the best books Ive ever read. There is ciff on the other side of the hedge of thorns and if you bust through you will die. This book is based on a true story and teaches a powerful truth. Children with loving parents have standards and those standards are for our protection.
June 14, 2017
The edition I read is not listed on Goodreads, but is an illustrated edition by Lamplighters publishing. The pictures are gorgeous! Although the story itself seemed to be somewhat lacking descriptively, the pictures complement and expand the story, telling more than words ever could.
June 8, 2017
This is one of the few books I've read multiple times. This was the first time I made it through without crying. I still got more insight with this reading. It's a great book to read to your kids although it's a little challenging with the old English. Great life lesson.
May 12, 2008
Everyone has to read this book! It's not hard at all and it is such an inspiring story!
February 19, 2008
a wonderful read aloud. Really explains
God's protection.
God's protection.
October 3, 2009
This Is on my "so sad I'm not sure if I want to read it again" book list.
March 10, 2010
A true story from a man who learned the value of the hedges that God places around us in life. Incredible lesson for all!
July 23, 2012
A must read for every family!
January 8, 2013
This was a great read-aloud for our whole family. Very humbling.
I love the Lamplighter Series.
I love the Lamplighter Series.
May 26, 2013
For such a small book it has a really great story. Highly recommend!
July 8, 2013
This a beautiful story. I don't want to spoil it for you. It is a must read. I will have to read more from the Lamplighter series.
February 3, 2014
This book made me cry; cover to cover.
April 30, 2014
An amazing book that everyone should read(:
August 25, 2014
Great read aloud for the family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews