A. L. O. E. (Charlotte Maria Tucker) Livres

Twelve beatitudes are illustrated by twelve stories, one to a chapter. When Lucy Claremont was denied a trip to the fair by her mother, discontent and rebellion took over, but ended in repentance and mourning over her sin. When a blind girl thirsted for knowledge of the Lord, her desires were more than granted. Mercy is shown when a very sick person is carried out of a burning building. A.L.O.E. states: "I have endeavored in the following Tales to convey religious instruction in a form that may prove attractive to the young; to illustrate the character of true Christianity in a series of stories, practically exemplifying the beatitudes."

Arthur and Asahel embark on a happy search after treasure in an old mine. The physical darkness makes them aware of their spiritual darkness as they go exploring. Asahel is a Jew and knows Old Testament history, while Arthur thinks himself a Christian but his heart does not embrace it. Arthur proclaims "You had love without knowledge; I knowledge without love. Yours was ignorance-mine was sin!"

Horace and his mother Mrs. Cleveland embarked on a journey through dangerous robber infested country. The adventures that followed in a remote cave show how God was at work in those who were held captive. Horace was shackled for ransom, but the robbers were bound by different chains. A.L.O.E. develops this spiritual metaphor and points to being set free in Christ. "The Bible was to him as the Father's letter, treasured in the bosom of the Son; as the charter by which he held all his dearest hopes; as the 'pardon signed and sealed' granted to the prisoner by the grace of his King."

The fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, etc. are exemplified throughout the book, one to a chapter. Angus Tarlton was a sixteen year old boy who was a prideful, disagreeable person that had lost his enthusiasm for life because of a crippling accident. The story shows how he learned to be a comfort and companion to others. He was able to accomplish a brave, heroic deed which exemplified many fruits of the Spirit. Also contained in this book is the short story “Don’t Be Too Sure” by A.L.O.E., which is about trusting in God’s Providence instead of your own plans and abilities.

The many bees include Sipsyrup who is vain, and Honeyball who is lazy. They argue and complain, and their behavior yielded unfortunate results. There is another story happening outside the beehive: the young girl Polly whose vanity about her clothes leads to the mysterious disappearance of Johnny, her brother. The moral as stated at the end of the story is "However young, however weak, dear children, you may be, know that the youngest, the weakest, have some power here to give either pleasure or pain." Also contained in this book is the short story "Hold Fast" by A.L.O.E., which has the theme of salvation by Christ alone.

ALOE wrote hymns for specific groups of people, specific occupations, and some longer poems on spiritual subjects. From the preface: "To admit rhymes for ragged children, needlewomen, and paupers into a book of sacred song, may-in the opinion of some critics-deprive it of all claim to the name of poetry. Yet I venture to hope that those who love to labor in God's vineyard, will not be sorry to bear to their poorer brethren verses intended to meet their peculiar trials, and cheer them under their peculiar sorrows; while the subjects of many of the hymns are such as are of equal interest to the prince as to the peasant." These hymns are written as poetry.