Bede's Charity - Tapa blanda

When Margery Bede stayed at home to care for her father and brother Stephen, she sacrificed all hope of marriage. Her father died, Stephen went off to Australia, and Margery moved to London where she poured her life into raising Cor, a street boy. Broken-hearted Margery gave her life to others but was left alone and unappreciated. The story's theme is maintaining faith and joy in the midst of disappointment. A quote from the book: "I cannot be anything but happy," I said, "because I believe the Lord Christ has given me the right and the power to become one of the daughters of the Lord God almighty; and there never was a father, even a king upon his throne, who cares for his children as my heavenly Father cares for me. Could I be anything else but happy and at peace."

SARAH SMITH (1832-1911) was born in Wellington, England. She had the good fortune of being able to read books from her father's bookshop, a printer of evangelical literature. Her mother was a strong evangelical, but died when Sarah was young. When she began writing, Hesba Stretton was her pen name, Stretton coming from the name of a neighboring village, and Hesba coming from the initials of her siblings. She wrote Jessica's First Prayer in 1867, which became one of her most beloved stories. It sold very well and was translated into many languages. Other best sellers were Little Meg's Children and Alone in London. She was familiar with the troubles of street children whom she visited and helped. She wrote over 60 books and stories which highlight Biblical principles.