Through Unknown Ways; or, The Journal-Books of Mrs. Dorathea Studley

by Lucy Ellen Guernsey

Excerpt from Through Unknown Ways; or, The Journal-Books of Mrs. Dorathea Studley:

"The poor bedizened thing had to leave all her finery and fallals behind her when she went to the grave. There is a lesson for you."

"And her money also, madam," said Mrs. Williams, her woman, who had followed us with a light cloak which she laid about Lady Corbet's shoulders. Mrs. Williams is not afraid of my lady, as I am; but then, she can leave when she pleases.

"What do yo you mean, Williams?" Asked my lady. "Of course I know that. We must leave every thing behind us when we die. You have heard me say that a thousand times..."

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

410 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1886

About the author

Lucy Ellen Guernsey (August 12, 1826 – November 3, 1899) was a 19th-century American author who lived in Rochester, New York. She was a strong proponent of early education and moral development in children, although she never had children of her own. Throughout her most productive years (1855–85) she wrote over 60 novels, most of which were published by the American Sunday School Union.

She was an active member of the Rochester community; she founded the first sewing school for working-class children and was involved in establishing the Home for Aged Women. She edited a popular religious publication, The Parish Visitor, taught an adult biblical class for Sunday School, and was the president of the Christ Church Missionary Society (1881–85).

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Through Unknown Ways: An Old-World Story, is one of the Stanton-Corbet Chronicles, a look at the history of the Protestant church in England (though I think one of the books is set at least partly in France) through the eyes of ordinary people, generally girls and young women, who run across some of the historically-known people of their era. I've been reading them as I come across them, rather than in chronological order, which is perhaps not the best method.

This book starts out with 16-year-old Dolly, an orphan living with her cousin's widow, and is set in the reign of James II. There was a lot of religious persecution at the time, much of it tied up with politics. James, himself, was Catholic but most of the population was not. The largest denomination was probably Anglican, but there were various dissenters, including Presbyterians like Dolly's cousin, who were seen as a group as supporting the Duke of Monmouth (illegitimate son of Charles II) for their king.

However, while a few of Dolly's acquaintances had to go into hiding and exile, most of the book deals more with the difference between what people say they believe and what they actually do, with various characters being more interested in money or fashion or gambling than living a Christian life. Does that sound preachy? It really isn't. Dolly is an engaging character and I followed her with interest.