A penetrating story which covers a lot of territory that teenage young men are all too familiar with: the power of peer influence, the consequences of ignoring our conscience, the deception of self-reform, and the danger of a backslidden condition.

Charlie Wescott is a “wayside hearer” – one who allows the seed of truth to be snatched up by idle thoughts, idle talk, and idle companions. He lives for the moment, giving no thought to the pain he may be inflicting on himself and others. But it is also a story of redemption – giving us a glimpse of God’s loving hand that is still stretched out to us with mercies.

First published in 1878.

Character themes in this story: peer pressure and salvation.