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Castle Warlock
Forced to live in poverty as his family's land is sold to pay their debts, Cosmo Warlock, a young Scot, learns the importance of a spiritual inheritance.
360 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1881
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536 people want to read
About the author
George MacDonald
1,680 books2,487 followersGeorge MacDonald was a Scottish author, poet and Christian Congregational minister. He became a pioneering figure in the field of modern fantasy literature and the mentor of fellow-writer Lewis Carroll. In addition to his fairy tales, MacDonald wrote several works of Christian theology, including several collections of sermons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
July 13, 2018
Castle Warlock, whilst being one of MacDonald's realistic novels (or to further subdivide, one of his 12 Scottish novels) comes close to fantasy in a more overt way, perhaps, than many of the others: though there are elements of the fantastic in everything he wrote, the author being an inveterate, even when an unconscious, weaver of mystical tales. A ghost story is at the heart of this one, the eponymous castle having had a nefarious character amongst its previous occupants, in the form of 'the old captain', who was said to have plundered other ships of their spoil during a career as a pirate, and returned home with a wealth beyond reckoning. Nobody has seen the treasure, but handed down by the old captain is a rhyme
Catch yer naig an pu' his tail
In his hin' heel caw a nail
Rug his lugs frae ane anither
Stan' up, an' ca' the king yer brither
(Catch your horse and pull his tail
In his hind heel drive a nail
Pull his ears from one another
Stand up, and call the king your brother.)
Which is reputed to be the key to the mystery of the hidden treasure. Whether this treasure is real or only a family legend, and if real, whether or not it is found, the reader is left to find out as the story unfolds. In the meantime, the current occupants of the castle, the young boy Cosmo, and the old laird his father, have to struggle against encroaching poverty as best they might: their ownership of the ancient castle and lands making no difference to the declension of the family wealth, to the point of poverty even at the story's commencement, and near starvation at one or two points throughout the tale. We are made to feel however, despite this encroaching penury, that a man can have very few material possessions and yet be 'one of the heirs of all things', and know himself to be so, and be glad. They endure and enjoy their lot together, and the trust they both repose in God is too great for either of them to wish for great riches, unless it should please Him to send them in their great need.
Along the way, we meet a rich cast of other characters, including the old family retainer Grizzie, who often speaks in rhyming couplets, Cosmo's girl-friend Aggie, a drunken lord, a villainous landed proprietor, and a gardener who I thought owed something to Walter Scott's Andrew Fairservice. But there is no doubt that the central theme is the bond of love between father and son, the inspiration for which it takes little imagination or insight to conclude must have been that same filial tie between the author and George MacDonald senior. Of that real-life father, MacDonald said elsewhere that he was his“refuge from all the ills of life, even sharp pain itself” and of that unique bond he said, addressing those who take no pleasure in the name FATHER, “interpret the word by all that you have missed in life. Every time a man might have been to you a refuge from the wind, a covert from the tempest, the shadow of a great rock in a weary land, that was a time when a father might have been a father indeed.”
I have only touched on the bare bones of the plot, as with MacDonald it's always the inner life which is essential, and that's what we see delineated here once again. To paraphrase Shakespeare, 'the preaching's the thing', but I cannot accept C S Lewis's view that GM's novels should be read ONLY for the preachments-you'll love this one if you love the homely and the true, particularly in a Scottish setting, and if you're happy for that to be juxtaposed with the eerie and the spine-chilling, which the ghost story provides in abundance. Look out also for GM's trademark 'stories within the story'-there are some real beauties in this one, some of which point a clear moral, but all of which are told with consummate skill by a master of the craft.
Catch yer naig an pu' his tail
In his hin' heel caw a nail
Rug his lugs frae ane anither
Stan' up, an' ca' the king yer brither
(Catch your horse and pull his tail
In his hind heel drive a nail
Pull his ears from one another
Stand up, and call the king your brother.)
Which is reputed to be the key to the mystery of the hidden treasure. Whether this treasure is real or only a family legend, and if real, whether or not it is found, the reader is left to find out as the story unfolds. In the meantime, the current occupants of the castle, the young boy Cosmo, and the old laird his father, have to struggle against encroaching poverty as best they might: their ownership of the ancient castle and lands making no difference to the declension of the family wealth, to the point of poverty even at the story's commencement, and near starvation at one or two points throughout the tale. We are made to feel however, despite this encroaching penury, that a man can have very few material possessions and yet be 'one of the heirs of all things', and know himself to be so, and be glad. They endure and enjoy their lot together, and the trust they both repose in God is too great for either of them to wish for great riches, unless it should please Him to send them in their great need.
Along the way, we meet a rich cast of other characters, including the old family retainer Grizzie, who often speaks in rhyming couplets, Cosmo's girl-friend Aggie, a drunken lord, a villainous landed proprietor, and a gardener who I thought owed something to Walter Scott's Andrew Fairservice. But there is no doubt that the central theme is the bond of love between father and son, the inspiration for which it takes little imagination or insight to conclude must have been that same filial tie between the author and George MacDonald senior. Of that real-life father, MacDonald said elsewhere that he was his“refuge from all the ills of life, even sharp pain itself” and of that unique bond he said, addressing those who take no pleasure in the name FATHER, “interpret the word by all that you have missed in life. Every time a man might have been to you a refuge from the wind, a covert from the tempest, the shadow of a great rock in a weary land, that was a time when a father might have been a father indeed.”
I have only touched on the bare bones of the plot, as with MacDonald it's always the inner life which is essential, and that's what we see delineated here once again. To paraphrase Shakespeare, 'the preaching's the thing', but I cannot accept C S Lewis's view that GM's novels should be read ONLY for the preachments-you'll love this one if you love the homely and the true, particularly in a Scottish setting, and if you're happy for that to be juxtaposed with the eerie and the spine-chilling, which the ghost story provides in abundance. Look out also for GM's trademark 'stories within the story'-there are some real beauties in this one, some of which point a clear moral, but all of which are told with consummate skill by a master of the craft.
July 20, 2019
Cosmo, our main character, is the laird's heir and only child. In material possessions there isn't much for him to inherit. Castle Warlock and a small percentage of the original land are all that remain of a legacy that was always modest. However, Cosmo's spiritual inheritance from his father compensates for any lack on the material side of things. A man of uncommon sense and true righteousness, the laird successfully passes these attributes to his son and they prove more valuable than a mound of precious jewels.
That's enough on the plot; this definitely isn't a plot driven book. Instead, I'd like to call it truth driven. The plot and characters are the vehicle, but truth is firmly behind the wheel.
One of those main truths is the importance of childlikeness. In the time covered by this book, Cosmo grows from youth to manhood without losing a sense of wonder, and innocent spirit, a desire for truth, and a child's simplicity of speech and action. While I know some readers would be annoyed by Cosmo's near-perfection, that's a plus for me because I like characters I can admire and -- more importantly -- emulate. (Though I do recognize that sometimes a bad example in literature can teach most effectively.)
Poverty and wealth is also a big theme as the laird and Cosmo, not to mention Grizzie and Aggie, struggle to provide their household with basic necessities. MacDonald points out that wealth is a greater hindrance to spiritual health than poverty is. "The first question is not how to do good with money, but how to keep from doing harm with it." (p. 307)
Both of these concepts are important to me: childlikeness because it's difficult for me to practice but I know it's vital if I'm to continue growing, not only in my relationship with God, but in every area of life; and poverty and wealth because I'm a rich American and I often wonder why Christians consider that such a great blessing, especially considering Jesus' teaching.
As for my personal enjoyment:
This book practically forced me to think and it challenged me in more ways than one. That's a main factor in most of my favorite books.
The book is also full of poetic prose and well worded expressions.
Plus it's long and chock-full of quotable bits.
I must admit I relished the last chapter: proof of Cosmo's humanity. (And I'm totally allowed to say he behaved stupidly because poor Joan thought as much.)
The slow pacing/lack of plot was occasionally distracting. Other than that, I can't think of anything to complain about! (Savor the moment while it lasts🙄)
Robert Falconer is the next one of MacDonald's Scottish novels on my list. The future looks bright!
*I'd recommend David Jack's awesome translations to anyone who's uncomfortable with the idea of tackling the Scotch dialogue on their own, especially those who still want the full experience of a George MacDonald novel. These editions contain all the original text, but also includes translations of the Scotch. If the thought of a 300-page novel -- and these pages are about twice the normal size -- with very slow pacing is what makes you uneasy, try one of Michael Phillips's condensed versions or read some of MacDonald's fairy tales like At the Back of the North Wind or The Light Princess before you delve into the realm of MacDonald's original Scottish novels.*
That's enough on the plot; this definitely isn't a plot driven book. Instead, I'd like to call it truth driven. The plot and characters are the vehicle, but truth is firmly behind the wheel.
One of those main truths is the importance of childlikeness. In the time covered by this book, Cosmo grows from youth to manhood without losing a sense of wonder, and innocent spirit, a desire for truth, and a child's simplicity of speech and action. While I know some readers would be annoyed by Cosmo's near-perfection, that's a plus for me because I like characters I can admire and -- more importantly -- emulate. (Though I do recognize that sometimes a bad example in literature can teach most effectively.)
Poverty and wealth is also a big theme as the laird and Cosmo, not to mention Grizzie and Aggie, struggle to provide their household with basic necessities. MacDonald points out that wealth is a greater hindrance to spiritual health than poverty is. "The first question is not how to do good with money, but how to keep from doing harm with it." (p. 307)
Both of these concepts are important to me: childlikeness because it's difficult for me to practice but I know it's vital if I'm to continue growing, not only in my relationship with God, but in every area of life; and poverty and wealth because I'm a rich American and I often wonder why Christians consider that such a great blessing, especially considering Jesus' teaching.
As for my personal enjoyment:
This book practically forced me to think and it challenged me in more ways than one. That's a main factor in most of my favorite books.
The book is also full of poetic prose and well worded expressions.
The stars were bright-eyed as if they had been sleeping, and were so joyously consoled that they forgot to wipe away their tears. [p. 134]
He woke so suddenly that for a moment he knew himself only for somebody he knew. [p. 109]
Every time we say "What a lovely night!" we speak of a breach, a rift in the old night. There is light more or less, a positive light, else were there no beauty. Many a night is but a low starry day, a day with a softened background, against which the far-off sun's of millions of other days show themselves: when the near vision vanishes, the farther hope awakes. It is nowhere said of heaven, there shall be no twilight there. [p. 42]
Plus it's long and chock-full of quotable bits.
Those who do the truth are raised even above defying the world. Defiance betrays a latent respect.... Those who are of the world may defy, but the cannot ignore it. [p. 310]
In proportion as a man cares to do what he ought, he ceases to care how it may be judged. [p. 269]
There are Christians who in portions of their being, of their life, their judgements, and aims, are absolute heathens, for with these, so far as their thought or will is concerned, God has nothing to do. [p. 171]
All truth understood becomes duty. [p. 224]
I must admit I relished the last chapter: proof of Cosmo's humanity. (And I'm totally allowed to say he behaved stupidly because poor Joan thought as much.)
The slow pacing/lack of plot was occasionally distracting. Other than that, I can't think of anything to complain about! (Savor the moment while it lasts🙄)
Robert Falconer is the next one of MacDonald's Scottish novels on my list. The future looks bright!
*I'd recommend David Jack's awesome translations to anyone who's uncomfortable with the idea of tackling the Scotch dialogue on their own, especially those who still want the full experience of a George MacDonald novel. These editions contain all the original text, but also includes translations of the Scotch. If the thought of a 300-page novel -- and these pages are about twice the normal size -- with very slow pacing is what makes you uneasy, try one of Michael Phillips's condensed versions or read some of MacDonald's fairy tales like At the Back of the North Wind or The Light Princess before you delve into the realm of MacDonald's original Scottish novels.*
November 18, 2018
What a worthy translation by David Jack. MacDonald’s novels aren’t bound to plot as other fiction of the 19th century is. Rather, MacDonald is bound to the poetic truth he must tell through his characters and the places they live. Treasure this as a slow read, not as a plot-driven romp.
MacDonald narrates, “I think we shall come at length to feel all places, as all times and all spaces, venerable, because they are the outcome of the eternal nature and the eternal thought. When we have God, all is holy, and we are at home.” This search is evident in young Cosmo Warlock as he matures under a wise and humble father. “No honest heart indeed could be near Cosmo long and not love him—for the one reason that humanity was in him so largely developed.” The lives and stories of Joan, Aggie, and Grizzie join Cosmo’s as we slowly and certainly come to love them all. Though I struggled with Cosmo’s lack of discernment when the doctor entreats him about Joan, I chalk it up to the struggle of youth and experience as MacDonald may have intended. And finally, I do admit to crying upon reading MacDonald’s poem postlude. Such beauty in the meaning of shadow and light, and how much more in God’s light revealed through MacDonald’s characters.
MacDonald narrates, “I think we shall come at length to feel all places, as all times and all spaces, venerable, because they are the outcome of the eternal nature and the eternal thought. When we have God, all is holy, and we are at home.” This search is evident in young Cosmo Warlock as he matures under a wise and humble father. “No honest heart indeed could be near Cosmo long and not love him—for the one reason that humanity was in him so largely developed.” The lives and stories of Joan, Aggie, and Grizzie join Cosmo’s as we slowly and certainly come to love them all. Though I struggled with Cosmo’s lack of discernment when the doctor entreats him about Joan, I chalk it up to the struggle of youth and experience as MacDonald may have intended. And finally, I do admit to crying upon reading MacDonald’s poem postlude. Such beauty in the meaning of shadow and light, and how much more in God’s light revealed through MacDonald’s characters.
September 23, 2012
The author has been one of my favorites for a long time. I appreciate his mystical novels for adults as well as his fantasies for children, which inspired C. S. Lewis.
This is one of his Scottish border novels, which talk of wealth, poverty and class war in a humane and gentle way. Another is "Sir Gibbie", which I read in English translation by Elizabeth Yeats McGreal. I am reading an ebook of Warlock o' Glenwarlock which retains the dialogue in Scots brogue. This takes a bit of effort to mentally translate it, but it is worth the effort.
I note with pleasure that the old laird's favorite reading material is the Journal of George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, and that the moral framework of the tale is very Foxian. The plot is like that of a mystery thriller with elements of the supernatural, though, in contradistinction to MacDonald's mystic and fantasy writings, the ghosts and kelpies are not made into actual characters.
MacDonald is someone I would have liked to have tea with, and I anticipate that his preaching was universalist and uplifting as well.
This is one of his Scottish border novels, which talk of wealth, poverty and class war in a humane and gentle way. Another is "Sir Gibbie", which I read in English translation by Elizabeth Yeats McGreal. I am reading an ebook of Warlock o' Glenwarlock which retains the dialogue in Scots brogue. This takes a bit of effort to mentally translate it, but it is worth the effort.
I note with pleasure that the old laird's favorite reading material is the Journal of George Fox, the founder of Quakerism, and that the moral framework of the tale is very Foxian. The plot is like that of a mystery thriller with elements of the supernatural, though, in contradistinction to MacDonald's mystic and fantasy writings, the ghosts and kelpies are not made into actual characters.
MacDonald is someone I would have liked to have tea with, and I anticipate that his preaching was universalist and uplifting as well.
August 21, 2015
There are few things more delightful than reading a book at just the right time in life for it to speak to you with every turn of the page. I picked up Castle Warlock at the exact moment it would have the greatest positive effect.
George Macdonald is an author who simply dazzles me time after time. Next to God's Word Mcdonald's writings have the most profound impact on my thinking!
Castle Warlock is full of the stuff that makes true family what it is in all of it's God honoring glory. It is full of wisdom wrapped around wholesome romance and thrilling mystery. I loved it and it has made me a better man for reading. I thank God for brothers like George Macdonald and I look forward to seeing him in the kingdom to come!
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6364
George Macdonald is an author who simply dazzles me time after time. Next to God's Word Mcdonald's writings have the most profound impact on my thinking!
Castle Warlock is full of the stuff that makes true family what it is in all of it's God honoring glory. It is full of wisdom wrapped around wholesome romance and thrilling mystery. I loved it and it has made me a better man for reading. I thank God for brothers like George Macdonald and I look forward to seeing him in the kingdom to come!
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/6364
Want to read
March 17, 2022What happens when the last old Baron has lived beyond the time of glory, money, family and provisions? He has but one young son and nothing to offer as an inheritance. The boy is given a tutor and taught the value of education. The Baron instills in him high values, excellent ethics, and deep abiding faith. Then off he goes to live his life. We meet his friends, his mentor, a pretty girl and others some grand, some evil. This is another George McDonald novel that will capture his readers and make them reading to the end and wanting more. This is not a children's fairy tale. It addresses real life in Scotland several centuries ago. Highly Recommended!
July 27, 2009
Another great classic from George MacDonald! The story of Cosmo’s life was inspiring, the narrow road of truth and righteousness that he chose to tread despite suffering from poverty and that at times quite extreme. His relationship with his father, which grew as his relationship with his Heavenly Father did was also admirable. Cosmo may have lost all his earthly inheritance but the spiritual one he gained held untold riches! All of this combined with the setting of the Scottish Highlands made it hard to put this book down. This is probably one of my most favorites from MacDonald.
September 6, 2016
Hardly perfect plot-wise, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't take me a while to reconcile myself to a protagonist called Cosmo Warlock.
But the novel is brimming with OH-so-many of those beautiful, eternal thoughts that George MacDonald can express like nobody else.
"Blessed be the voice that tells us we maun forsake all, and take up our cross, and follow him, losing our life that we may find it! For whaur wad he hae us follow him but til his ain hame, to the verra bosom o' his God an' oor God, there to be ane wi' the Love essential!
But the novel is brimming with OH-so-many of those beautiful, eternal thoughts that George MacDonald can express like nobody else.
"Blessed be the voice that tells us we maun forsake all, and take up our cross, and follow him, losing our life that we may find it! For whaur wad he hae us follow him but til his ain hame, to the verra bosom o' his God an' oor God, there to be ane wi' the Love essential!
April 28, 2010
As always, George MacDonald delivers a beautifully deep tale of mystery and romance. The main theme of this story is loving the Giver of all gifts more than the gifts He gives and being willing to part with anything that would separate us from His love.
January 5, 2016
Every time I choose another George MacDonald book to read I say to myself, "I should have read this one last" because I liked it so much!! This one is such a good one, and I love the wisdom words about life and our Father in heaven and abut an eternal inheritance! And wow, it's a must read! :)
August 6, 2016
All of MacDonald's books challenge me to go deeper with the Lord, but this one most of all. It's theology in almost poetical form. Amazing.
May 3, 2017
Not once letting go of the right hand of the boy, still clasped in his own, the laird closed the door, advanced the whole length of the room, stopped at a sofa covered with a rich brocade, seated himself upon it, drew his son gently between his knees, and began to talk to him.
There was this difference between the relation of these two and that of most fathers and sons, that, taken in this way into solemn solitude by his old father, the boy felt no dismay, no sense of fault, no troubled expectation of discipline or admonition. Reverence and love held equal sway in his feeling toward his father. While the grandmother looked down on Cosmo as the son of his mother, for that very reason his father, in a strange and lovely way, reverenced the boy. And the reaction in the son was utter devotion. (31)
"But you must remember, Cosmo, that it is not enough to be a good boy, as I shall tell her you have always been: you've got to be a good man, and that is a different and sometimes a harder thing. For as soon as a man has to do with other men, he finds they expect him to do things they ought to be ashamed of, and then he has to stand on his own honest legs, and not move an inch for all their pushing and pulling. And when a man loves his fellowman and tries to do good for him and be on good terms with him, that is not easy. The thing is just this, Cosmo - when you are a full-grown man, you must still be a boy. That's the difficulty. For a man to be a boy, and still a good boy, he must be a thorough man. And you can't keep true to your mother, or be a thorough man, except you remember him who is father and mother both to all of us." (33)
As they were poor - hardly able, not merely to make both ends meet, but to bring them far enough round the parcel of their necessities to let them see each other - their friends called their behavior in declining to hand the child over to the parish authorities utter folly. How could they expect to prosper when they acted with so little foresight, making the struggle for existence all the more severe? These neighbors did not reckon what strength the additional motive, what heart the new love, what uplifting the hope of help from on high, kindled by their righteous deed, might give them - for God likes far better to help people from the inside than from the outside. They did not think that this might be just the fresh sting of life that the fainting pair required.
In fact, from that time on the couple began to get on a little better. And as the boy grew and needed more, they seemed always to have what was necessary. For it so happened that the boy turned out to be one of God's creatures, and it looked as if his Maker, who happened also to be the Ruler of the world, was not altogether displeased with those who had taken him to their hearts instead of leaving him to the parish. The child was the light of the house and of the shop, a beauty to the eyes, and a joy in the heart of both. But perhaps the best proof that they had done right lay in the fact that they began to love each other better from the very day after they had taken him in. (69)
"When a man goes on drinking like that, he is little better than a cheese under the spigot of a wine cask; he lives to keep his body well-soaked that it may be all the nicer for worms. Cosmo, my son, the material part of us ought to keep growing gradually thinner, to let the soul out when its time comes, and the soul ought to keep growing bigger and stronger every day until it finally bursts the body as a growing nut does its shell. If instead the body grows thicker and thicker, lessening the room within, it squeezes the life out of the soul, and when such a man's body dies, his soul is found a shrivelled thing, too poor to be a comfort to itself or to anybody else." (99)
"No, my son, let us make the best we can of this life that we may become able to make the best of the next also."
"And how do you make the best of this one?" asked Cosmo.
"Simply by falling in with God's design in the making of you, and allowing him to work out his plan in you. that design must be worked out - cannot be worked out without you. You must walk in the front of things with the will of God - not be dragged in the sweep of his garment that makes the storm behind him! To walk with God is to go hand in hand with him like a boy with his father. Then, as to the other world, or any world, as to the past sorrow, the vanished joy, the coming fear - all is well! For the design of the making, the loving, the pitiful, the beautiful God is marching on toward divine completion. Let your prayer, my son, be like this: 'O Maker of me, go on making me, and let me help you. Come, O Father! Here I am." (156)
The days glided by. Fervid Summer slid away round the shoulder of the world and made room for her dignified matron sister. Lady Autumn swept her frayed and discolored train out of the great hall-door of the world, and old brother Winter, who so assiduously waits upon the house, and cleans its innermost recesses, was creeping around it, biding his time, but eager to get to his work. (157)
Merest neglect is all that is required to make of both man and his works a heap; for will is at the root of well-being, and nature speedily resumes what the will of man does not hold against her. (201)
He himself was alone in Cosmo's hands; his own self was all he held and had power of; all he could offer and yield. Mr. Simon had taught him that, as a mother gives her children money to give, so God gives his children selves, with their wishes and choices, that they may have the true offering to lay upon the true altar; for on that altar nothing else will burn than selves. (216)
And thus the little garrison awaited the closer siege of beleaguering winter, in their hearts making themselves strong to resist the more terrible enemies which all winter armies bring flying on their flanks - the haggard fiends of doubt and dismay - which can even creep through the strongest walls. To trust in spite of the look of being forgotten; to keep crying out into the vastness whence comes no voice, and where seems no hearing; to struggle after light, where there is no glimmer to guide; to see the machinery of the world grinding on as if self-moved, caring for no life, not shifting a hairsbreadth for all the begging against it, and yet believe that God is awake and utterly loving; to desire nothing but what comes meant for us from his hand; to wait patiently, willing to die of hunger, fearing only lest faith should fail - such is the victory that overcomes the world, such is faith indeed. (263)
"God!" he cried, "I thought I knew you, and sought your will. And now I am ashamed before you. I cannot even pray. But hear my deepest will in me. Hear the prayer I cannot offer. Be my perfect Father to fulfill the imperfection of your child. Be God after your own nature, beyond my feeling, beyond my prayer. You know me better a thousand times than I know myself - hear and save me. Make me strong to yield to you. I have no way of confessing you before men at this moment, but in the depth of my thought I would confess you and yield everything but the truth, which is yourself. And therefore, even while my heart hangs back, I force my moth to say the words - Take from me what you will, only make me clean, pure, divine. To you I yield the house and all that is in it. It is yours, not mine. Give it to whom you will. I would have nothing but what you choose shall be mind. I have you, and all things are mine."
Thus he prayed, with a reluctant heart, forcing its will by the might of a deeper will that would be for God and freedom, in spite of the cleaving of his soul to the dust. (265)
With each of his sons, as his father had done with him, he took them aside on their birthdays to tell them - for the story never grew old - how the land and everything on it was a gift from the hand of the Lord, to be used for his purposes rather than their own. With each one alone, once a year, he walked hand-in-hand into the hills, there to remind them of their true and lasting inheritance, an inheritance not of earthly possessions, but - as his own father had built so strongly into him: - a true inheritance, in which the true business of life is not to get what you can, but rather to give what you can, and to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before your God. (352)
There was this difference between the relation of these two and that of most fathers and sons, that, taken in this way into solemn solitude by his old father, the boy felt no dismay, no sense of fault, no troubled expectation of discipline or admonition. Reverence and love held equal sway in his feeling toward his father. While the grandmother looked down on Cosmo as the son of his mother, for that very reason his father, in a strange and lovely way, reverenced the boy. And the reaction in the son was utter devotion. (31)
"But you must remember, Cosmo, that it is not enough to be a good boy, as I shall tell her you have always been: you've got to be a good man, and that is a different and sometimes a harder thing. For as soon as a man has to do with other men, he finds they expect him to do things they ought to be ashamed of, and then he has to stand on his own honest legs, and not move an inch for all their pushing and pulling. And when a man loves his fellowman and tries to do good for him and be on good terms with him, that is not easy. The thing is just this, Cosmo - when you are a full-grown man, you must still be a boy. That's the difficulty. For a man to be a boy, and still a good boy, he must be a thorough man. And you can't keep true to your mother, or be a thorough man, except you remember him who is father and mother both to all of us." (33)
As they were poor - hardly able, not merely to make both ends meet, but to bring them far enough round the parcel of their necessities to let them see each other - their friends called their behavior in declining to hand the child over to the parish authorities utter folly. How could they expect to prosper when they acted with so little foresight, making the struggle for existence all the more severe? These neighbors did not reckon what strength the additional motive, what heart the new love, what uplifting the hope of help from on high, kindled by their righteous deed, might give them - for God likes far better to help people from the inside than from the outside. They did not think that this might be just the fresh sting of life that the fainting pair required.
In fact, from that time on the couple began to get on a little better. And as the boy grew and needed more, they seemed always to have what was necessary. For it so happened that the boy turned out to be one of God's creatures, and it looked as if his Maker, who happened also to be the Ruler of the world, was not altogether displeased with those who had taken him to their hearts instead of leaving him to the parish. The child was the light of the house and of the shop, a beauty to the eyes, and a joy in the heart of both. But perhaps the best proof that they had done right lay in the fact that they began to love each other better from the very day after they had taken him in. (69)
"When a man goes on drinking like that, he is little better than a cheese under the spigot of a wine cask; he lives to keep his body well-soaked that it may be all the nicer for worms. Cosmo, my son, the material part of us ought to keep growing gradually thinner, to let the soul out when its time comes, and the soul ought to keep growing bigger and stronger every day until it finally bursts the body as a growing nut does its shell. If instead the body grows thicker and thicker, lessening the room within, it squeezes the life out of the soul, and when such a man's body dies, his soul is found a shrivelled thing, too poor to be a comfort to itself or to anybody else." (99)
"No, my son, let us make the best we can of this life that we may become able to make the best of the next also."
"And how do you make the best of this one?" asked Cosmo.
"Simply by falling in with God's design in the making of you, and allowing him to work out his plan in you. that design must be worked out - cannot be worked out without you. You must walk in the front of things with the will of God - not be dragged in the sweep of his garment that makes the storm behind him! To walk with God is to go hand in hand with him like a boy with his father. Then, as to the other world, or any world, as to the past sorrow, the vanished joy, the coming fear - all is well! For the design of the making, the loving, the pitiful, the beautiful God is marching on toward divine completion. Let your prayer, my son, be like this: 'O Maker of me, go on making me, and let me help you. Come, O Father! Here I am." (156)
The days glided by. Fervid Summer slid away round the shoulder of the world and made room for her dignified matron sister. Lady Autumn swept her frayed and discolored train out of the great hall-door of the world, and old brother Winter, who so assiduously waits upon the house, and cleans its innermost recesses, was creeping around it, biding his time, but eager to get to his work. (157)
Merest neglect is all that is required to make of both man and his works a heap; for will is at the root of well-being, and nature speedily resumes what the will of man does not hold against her. (201)
He himself was alone in Cosmo's hands; his own self was all he held and had power of; all he could offer and yield. Mr. Simon had taught him that, as a mother gives her children money to give, so God gives his children selves, with their wishes and choices, that they may have the true offering to lay upon the true altar; for on that altar nothing else will burn than selves. (216)
And thus the little garrison awaited the closer siege of beleaguering winter, in their hearts making themselves strong to resist the more terrible enemies which all winter armies bring flying on their flanks - the haggard fiends of doubt and dismay - which can even creep through the strongest walls. To trust in spite of the look of being forgotten; to keep crying out into the vastness whence comes no voice, and where seems no hearing; to struggle after light, where there is no glimmer to guide; to see the machinery of the world grinding on as if self-moved, caring for no life, not shifting a hairsbreadth for all the begging against it, and yet believe that God is awake and utterly loving; to desire nothing but what comes meant for us from his hand; to wait patiently, willing to die of hunger, fearing only lest faith should fail - such is the victory that overcomes the world, such is faith indeed. (263)
"God!" he cried, "I thought I knew you, and sought your will. And now I am ashamed before you. I cannot even pray. But hear my deepest will in me. Hear the prayer I cannot offer. Be my perfect Father to fulfill the imperfection of your child. Be God after your own nature, beyond my feeling, beyond my prayer. You know me better a thousand times than I know myself - hear and save me. Make me strong to yield to you. I have no way of confessing you before men at this moment, but in the depth of my thought I would confess you and yield everything but the truth, which is yourself. And therefore, even while my heart hangs back, I force my moth to say the words - Take from me what you will, only make me clean, pure, divine. To you I yield the house and all that is in it. It is yours, not mine. Give it to whom you will. I would have nothing but what you choose shall be mind. I have you, and all things are mine."
Thus he prayed, with a reluctant heart, forcing its will by the might of a deeper will that would be for God and freedom, in spite of the cleaving of his soul to the dust. (265)
With each of his sons, as his father had done with him, he took them aside on their birthdays to tell them - for the story never grew old - how the land and everything on it was a gift from the hand of the Lord, to be used for his purposes rather than their own. With each one alone, once a year, he walked hand-in-hand into the hills, there to remind them of their true and lasting inheritance, an inheritance not of earthly possessions, but - as his own father had built so strongly into him: - a true inheritance, in which the true business of life is not to get what you can, but rather to give what you can, and to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before your God. (352)
February 16, 2011
I've read George MacDonalds's fantasy short stories and read several of his period fiction stories by Bethany House publishers. The old Scottish brogue was updated to modern English in the Bethany house stories. This book however was not in modern English but rather full of much old Scottish brogue conversations. At first it was difficult reading, but as I kept on reading and looking up unfamiliar word in the Scottish online dictionary helps, I found that I improved and understood the language much better.
I would categorize this story as being from the Romantic period, in it's descriptive flowery style of writing. I know George MacDonald was a Victorian writer and contemporary of Lewis Carol. The story follows the life of the main character the young Cosmo as he pursues his education and seeks to find his calling in life. He is the son of a Scottish Laird who's past family had incurred some debts. In the castle, they lived a simple life and maintained a good relationship with the country people. The main part of the story takes place in the Scottish countryside at the Castle Warlock and the castle lands.
Cosmo was a good character, but I loved his friend Aggie. She grew up in the village, schooled with young Cosmo and was his family friend since childhood. She was hard working, gentle, wise and continually self sacrificing. The ending was a surprise to me. I would not have predicted it. After reading the old language, I actually want to read more of this, so I can really experience the "Scottishness" of his stories.
I would categorize this story as being from the Romantic period, in it's descriptive flowery style of writing. I know George MacDonald was a Victorian writer and contemporary of Lewis Carol. The story follows the life of the main character the young Cosmo as he pursues his education and seeks to find his calling in life. He is the son of a Scottish Laird who's past family had incurred some debts. In the castle, they lived a simple life and maintained a good relationship with the country people. The main part of the story takes place in the Scottish countryside at the Castle Warlock and the castle lands.
Cosmo was a good character, but I loved his friend Aggie. She grew up in the village, schooled with young Cosmo and was his family friend since childhood. She was hard working, gentle, wise and continually self sacrificing. The ending was a surprise to me. I would not have predicted it. After reading the old language, I actually want to read more of this, so I can really experience the "Scottishness" of his stories.
April 19, 2021
George MacDonald has been a favourite for decades. So happy for this new edition and translated dialogue by David Jack. Well done!
December 8, 2012
So this was the hardest of MacDonald's novels for me to get through, I usually find that I can adapt to the brogue fairly well as I progress, but this time it was not so easy. That said, MacDonald excels at writing Characters (this time a father son team) who live the type of Holy life that I strive for as a Christian. He is better than any other Christian author at displaying holiness as something realistic, and without it coming off as sugar coated. If your up for the challenge of 80% of the dialogue being Scottish brogue it is well worth it.
August 6, 2009
I think I read an edited version of this but I can't find it so here we go. This is a true Scottish author from the late 1800's and the writing style is Scottish as well, down to the last phrase; so it makes the reading quite slow and difficult at times. I had to go back to the "glossary" to figure out what the words meant. But the story is very good and the morals behind it even better. So as long as you are prepared to read slow - the rest will be worth it.
July 2, 2021
An excellent abridgement of a wonderful story, leaving me wanting more. I found the amount and level of Scots dialogue to be just right for me to be able to follow along and enjoy the essence of George MacDonald's Scottish works without having to struggle in deciphering the language. This book was clearly designed to be a stepping stone to the original, unabridged and translated Castle Warlock, to where I shall step next.
December 4, 2012
I found this book difficult to read because the writing was hard to understand but I found the story very inspiring and though it took me a while to read it, I found it a good story. I especially liked how the father and son trusted in God and the process that they went through in life in learning to trust more.
May 10, 2016
George MacDonald isn't easy reading, though some of his books have been edited into modern English (like this one: original title "Castle Warlock"), however, he is well worth reading. His grasp of spiritual truth comes through in his novels and once you start reading his novels you adapt to the language and can really enjoy them. Well worth the effort.
March 20, 2022
Very long but kept my interest. A rags to riches with a bit of a ghost story and some romance.
Heavily Christian.
As usual, the author keeps the main couple separated through most of the story and reunites them in the end. The ending is rushed.
Scottish dialogue used throughout.
Heavily Christian.
As usual, the author keeps the main couple separated through most of the story and reunites them in the end. The ending is rushed.
Scottish dialogue used throughout.
April 10, 2017
This is a well-written, interesting story that has deep truth embedded rather seamlessly within the plot. The Scottish brogue is difficult to read and I usually heaved a sigh of relief when those passages ended.
Read
May 28, 2010this book reminds me of my childhood... not sure why... I never jumped naked into an icy stream... but still.
September 25, 2014
One of my favorite George books. It makes you laugh and can swell your heart to the point of bursting. A must read.
July 9, 2015
More gothic and romantic elements than are usual in MacDonald. Fun.
January 14, 2016
This and all other G.Mac books are great stories of the gospel lived out in peoples' lives. My favorite author.
September 11, 2017
The best of the trilogy. Very idealistic, moralistic, and Scottish. An enjoyable intro into 19th century Scots thinking, culture and society.
Read
December 14, 2024I would recommend this one to someone who likes puzzles and ghosts and old castles in the country. It was slower paced than some of GM stories but I felt a sense of peace in this one and contentment in the will of God. I loved the wisdom of the father figure.
August 31, 2016
Hardly perfect plot-wise, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't take me a while to reconcile myself to a protagonist called Cosmo Warlock.
But the novel is brimming with OH-so-many of those beautiful, eternal thoughts that George MacDonald can express like nobody else.
"Blessed be the voice that tells us we maun forsake all, and take up our cross, and follow him, losing our life that we may find it! For whaur wad he hae us follow him but til his ain hame, to the verra bosom o' his God an' oor God, there to be ane wi' the Love essential!"
But the novel is brimming with OH-so-many of those beautiful, eternal thoughts that George MacDonald can express like nobody else.
"Blessed be the voice that tells us we maun forsake all, and take up our cross, and follow him, losing our life that we may find it! For whaur wad he hae us follow him but til his ain hame, to the verra bosom o' his God an' oor God, there to be ane wi' the Love essential!"
Currently reading
July 5, 2009I'm loving the main character! Cosmo is a fourteen year old boy who has been raised with extraordinary values and nobility, but in a lonely castle. I can't wait to find out how he will fare in the "real world." The major drawback to the text (which also is the major charm) is that most of the dialogue is written with a Scottish brogue which is difficult to read through quickly. I got better at it after a few chapters.
April 12, 2009
Great author. I heard he was C.S. Lewis' favorite author, which says a lot to me! I love how he used the medium of fiction to gently preach the truths of the Bible in a way that people could understand. Sometimes the Scottish is still a litle thick, but most of his books have been edited for easier reading.
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