The sign of the cross: or, Edah Champlin

The Sign of the Cross by Lucy Ellen Guernsey is a didactic Christian novel written in the mid-19th century. It follows Edah Champlin, a fashionable schoolgirl stirred to examine the vows of Baptism and Confirmation, and her steadier friend Millicent Amory, as they are guided by an earnest Episcopal rector toward a faith proved by self-denial and service; parish life, Communion, and practical charity shape the story as Edah trades comfort for duty to her struggling family.

The opening of the novel presents a parish preparing for Confirmation, where Edah and Millicent react differently to the rector’s notice: Milly questions what true change the rite brings, prompting Edah to re-read the Prayer Book, grasp the gravity of her baptismal vows, seek counsel from Rev. Wardwell, and at last approach the Communion. Milly studies, prays, and slowly resolves to take the “narrow path,” while several schoolmates are confirmed. Vacation plans then shift when Edah receives word that her stepmother is ill; she forgoes a seaside trip, goes home, and meets jealousy from her half-sister Susan, mischief from Sam, and the spoiled Pauline. After a tense misstep over discipline, Pauline is seized with convulsions; Edah’s calm, capable nursing wins trust, she funds a competent household helper, and, longing for worship, she and Sam ride to Raeburn for Communion, where they meet the Willsons and the esteemed Laurence family as the scene closes.