The Browns at Mt. Hermon

by Isabella Alden
Available from Keepers of the Faith
*****

Can I more highly recommend this sweet story? This is one of Isabella Alden’s more lighthearted stories, but in the humor, she never compromises the seriousness of the Christ-centered life. The plan of salvation is given more than once, and we meet characters to love and emulate.

Our heroine is Mary Brown, who understands her name is not one of the most rare! She accidentally receives a letter addressed to another Mary Brown, accepting her services at a Christian camp. After attempting to return the letter to its proper addressee and finding that that Mary Brown was no longer interested in the position, she decides, on a lark, to take the position herself. Mary Brown was quite well off, somewhat listless and discontent with her life, and was trying to find something interesting to do during the summer. So she assumes the character of a girl needing employment, and begins to learn much about work, Christian camps, and Christianity itself. During her eventful summer she changes much, along with several other Browns and Brownings! It turns out that a certain young man was also there to take a break from his own life, and he may be more than he seems.

Delightful and sweet, this story at some points reads a little like a mystery, but through it all, Isabella Alden’s focus on the Lord, makes the reader thoughtful. Are we, like Mary Brown merely professing Christ, or actually living for Him? Are we giving the expected verbal assent, or are we actually being conformed into His image? It seems there is a big difference.

Helen Lester

by Isabella Alden
Available from Keepers of the Faith
*****
Helen Lester was a young girl who was rather upset that her older brother was coming home after some years abroad. She remembered that he used to tease her for going to Sunday School, and wanting to be a Christian. When he arrived, she was surprised to find him changed: he was now a gentle, loving older brother who encouraged her in her relationship with God. Helen learns what it means to be a true Christian, and everyone is surprised at the change in her. One by one, through Cleveland’s example and witness, the other members of the family decide they must follow Jesus. Their changed lives affect those around them, who at first mock, but then joined them in their walk. By the time Cleveland leaves again, the whole family has asked Jesus to help them love God more.

This story was the first Mrs. Alden wrote, and that while yet in her teens, and it won the contest for the best story explaining salvation to children. Sometimes it seems almost too simple, almost stressing the works of the Christian. Only almost. However, Cleveland admonished Helen that on her own, she would keep failing as she had so many times before. If she wants to live the Christian life, and conquer her temper, and show patience to her family, and love God Whom she had never seen, she must ask Christ to help her. I would recommend this story to young children, as it does explain salvation, and I think it expresses the loveliness of Jesus so well. Who wouldn’t be drawn to Him? It is also great for those of us who want to share things simply with children. This story especially inspired me as an older sibling, to see the influence for good a caring sibling can have on the others. Cleveland did not spend his time preaching at his family, but they were drawn to Christ by his gentle example. And as far as preaching goes, Mrs. Alden’s stories never seem preachy. They do present plain truths, but they come in naturally, and the books always have an interesting plot and flow smoothly.