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Cover of The Peep of Day

The Peep of Day

Written by Favell Lee Mortimer

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Christian lifeBible stories, EnglishChristian education

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About this book

"The Peep of Day" by Favell Lee Mortimer is a children's religious text written in the mid-19th century. This book aims to provide early systematic instruction about God and Christian principles in a simple manner suitable for young children. It covers significant concepts from the Bible, including Creation, the life of Jesus, and moral lessons relevant to children's understanding. The opening of the text introduces the intended audience, primarily young children, and sets the tone for instructive lessons about the body, the soul, and the care provided by God and family. Using an engaging and conversational style, the author discusses basic biological concepts along with their spiritual implications, emphasizing God's omnipotence and kindness. Through simple questions and answers, the text aims to instill a sense of gratitude towards God for life and parental care, laying the groundwork for the foundational beliefs of Christianity.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Peep of Day, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • beginner
  • instructive
  • didactic
  • reverent

Favell Lee Mortimer's "The Peep of Day" is a seminal mid-19th century children's religious text designed to introduce Christian principles to very young children. Structured as a systematic series of lessons, it covers foundational biblical concepts from Creation and the Fall to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, interspersed with moral instruction. The book employs a simple, conversational, and often repetitive question-and-answer style to instill gratitude towards God, emphasize obedience, and explain basic theological tenets like the nature of the soul. While lacking a traditional narrative, its didactic approach aims to lay a firm groundwork for Christian faith and moral conduct in its young audience, reflecting Victorian evangelical educational values.

“Who made you? God made me.”

Key themes

Divine Providence and Creation
This theme emphasizes God as the ultimate creator and sustainer of the universe and all life. The book systematically teaches children that everything, from their own bodies to the natural world, is a gift from God, highlighting His power, wisdom, and benevolent care. It fosters a sense of awe and gratitude towards the divine.
Sin and Redemption
A core Christian theme, this explores the concept of humanity's fallen nature through Adam and Eve's disobedience, leading to the necessity of redemption. The book simplifies the idea of sin for children (disobeying God, telling lies, being naughty) and presents Jesus Christ's sacrifice as the sole means of salvation and forgiveness.
Obedience and Morality
This theme emphasizes the paramount importance of obeying God's commands and, by extension, parental authority. Moral lessons are directly linked to divine will, teaching children to distinguish between right and wrong based on Christian principles. It promotes virtues like honesty, kindness, and diligence.

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