Posted in The Hedge of Thorns by John Hatchard

I greatly appreciated these comments on Chapters 5-6. They are not only touching, but deep reflective thought. There has been so much going through my mind as I read this book, I have had to re-read it at least once.

quietcajun
Chapter 4 is like a beautiful sermon.
I marvelled at the use of the terminology... "He interferes for our salvation..."
I was not surprised by the definition of the hedge of thorns as circumstances (even bad) that keep us on the safe path, but I did wonder at the inclusion of "infirmities of their own minds".
Saviour would wear a thorn of crowns for me

I love that: "Beautiful sermon". I also wondered at first about the mental infirmities. I think there were a lot more people in that time who were "infirm in their mind" that he would have had experience with. I do understand how that could keep you from some things.

solodeogloria
How insightful to explain God's plans for us as His "interfering." In my thesaurus, the word listed as a synonym for interfere is intercede....literally, to move or pass between. How awesome to think of God interceding on our behalf by putting up hedges to keep us where we need to be.
I understand completely how John could say that his religion was in his head and not his heart. I've experienced that! It isn't a good place to be, and one that leaves you open to temptation in a big way. That is apparently what is about to happen to John as he starts to feel discontent with where he is and starts comparing himself to others. A wise person who was a mentor to me in my early years of homeschooling used to say, "Comparison is the death of contentment." Very true.

 Wow... intercede. That right there is a beautiful picture. I am just in awe of the whole thread of the protective hedge that runs through this book and John's life. I think now that I know this, I can not only start seeing the hedges in our own lives, but also in retrospect.

JEANNIE78
Oh my goodness I feel the same way in regards to the discussion the father had with John about the Hedge of Thorns the Lord sometimes places those hedges for our protection and to remind us to keep our eye on HIM(the Lord). When I read that list the father talked about I nearly began to cry, so many times I have dealt with and continue to still deal with some of those listed thorns. Since reading this book I have come to realize what treasure it is for me, as I have always been a rebellious person, alot of times feeling like that angel with the halo dipped around my head and one eye open.

I felt the same way, Jeannie. I have been 'about to cry' so many times throughout this book so far. As it seems John is about to again go outside the protection of yet another hedge.... I am sure there will be more time for tears.

srostollan
The picture story that helped us to understand the relevance of the hedge was wonderful. I never thought about the fact that God may build a hedge around us out of the things we may despise the most.
John was "hedged in" by the fact that he was with his father. The conversation that his father had with him to always mind the hedge was possibly an indication that he could see the direction of his son's thoughts. As much as we try to hide our character from others, we usually only trick ourselves. John was playing the man by working with his father, but he still had a lot to learn. It appears to me that his father understood that.

Thank you for the view of John being 'hedged in' as he worked with his father. We also saw where the seed of discontent and desire to live outside the hedge was implanted... then John's father interrupts. That was a hedge. His father continued to be a hedge from then on. I wonder if John realized that, even as he wrote this book.



Off to write up my discussion on chapters 7-8.... Amanda has hers done. I am just adding mine. Thank you for your sweet comments. You all are lovely.

Blessings!

  Jacque
Seeking Rest in the Ancient Paths Homeschool