As Many as Touched Him by Eglanton Thorne
The story revolves around Ellen Mansfield, a young girl living on a farm with her large family. Ellen is eager to escape the drudgery of farm life and becomes an apprentice to her Aunt Matilda, a dressmaker in the town of Charmouth. Her brother Jerry, a sickly child, remains at home, longing for healing and comfort from the stories of Jesus he reads in the Bible. Ellen's life in Charmouth is challenging. Her aunt is strict, and Ellen struggles with homesickness and the demands of her new life. She finds solace in a Bible class led by Miss Graham, who becomes a source of spiritual guidance. Ellen's faith is tested when she is involved in an accident that leaves her badly burned. During her recovery in the hospital, she experiences a spiritual awakening, realizing her need for Jesus' healing touch. Meanwhile, Jerry's faith remains strong, and he prays fervently for healing. His prayers are answered when he is taken to the hospital, where he receives treatment that eventually restores his health. Jerry's recovery is seen as a miracle, reinforcing his belief in the power of faith and prayer. Years later, Jerry becomes a preacher, sharing the message of Jesus' healing power with others. Ellen continues her work as a dressmaker but finds fulfillment in supporting her brother's ministry. The story concludes with Jerry and Ellen helping a former acquaintance, Julia Coleman, find redemption and healing through faith in Jesus. The narrative emphasizes themes of faith, redemption, and the transformative power of Jesus' love, illustrating how spiritual healing can lead to physical and emotional restoration.
By Eglanton Thorne · First published 1972 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Drama · 15 chapters · 27,801 words
First lines
"OH dear! I do wish the postman would make haste and come," said Ellen Mansfield to herself, as she stood at the farmyard gate, looking eagerly up the narrow lane into which it opened.
What this Textopian page supports
As Many as Touched Him is listed on Textopian as a novella by Eglanton Thorne, dated 1972 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Eglanton Thorne
- Date: 1972 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Drama, Gothic Fiction, Spiritual Fiction
- Length: 27,801 words
- Structure: 15 chapters, 542 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for As Many as Touched Him by Eglanton Thorne
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set against a richly detailed past, with the historical backdrop integral to the characters and plot.
- Literary Fiction — An emphasis on thematic depth and stylistic nuance indicates a focus on exploring the human condition.
- Drama — The plot centers on intense emotional conflicts and personal transformations, underscoring dramatic stakes.
- Gothic Fiction — Elements of mystery, atmospherics, and a shadowy past suggest a Gothic influence in the narrative tone.
Tags
historical fiction · drama · mystery · psychological · gothic · philosophical · character-driven · tragic · existential · symbolic · dark · intense
Contents
- Looking for a Letter
- Jerry's Trial
- The Great Physician
- Leaving Home
- In the Work-Room
- Suffering for Conscience Sake
- Dreary Days
- A Lonely Sufferer
- An Alarming Incident
- A Conversation
- In the Hospital
- Sorrowful Tidings
- Mother and Daughter
- Jerry's Faith has its Reward
- Ten Years Later