Found: Orphan learns Matthew 5, inherits poor plot of land, works in coal mine, refuses rich landowner trying to annex

The hero is illiterate, but his dying father, sober for the last few months, teaches him Matthew 5 by heart. He applies the teachings in his life of poverty. E.g. foreman treats him cruelly, but when he demands he carry the 100lb sack of coal (delivery was by hand or by horse drawn wagon) for one mile as permitted by company rules, the hero carries it two miles. During the second mile, their relationship improves dramatically.

He inherits a poor shanty on a plot of land. A rich landowner keeps offering money to annex the poor plot of land, but the hero refuses. Finally, the rich landowner pays ruffians to burn down his shanty in an effort to force the sale, knowing a poor coal miner will never be able to bring him to justice.

Seems to be set in 19th century England. I remember the authors name had more words than American names and was very British sounding. :-) (E.D.E.N. Southworth excepted)

The themes were similar to non-fantasy novels by George MacDonald (e.g. Obedience, being a doer of the Word), and indeed I stumbled across the book on librivox.org after listening to a George MacDonald novel. Alas, it is not in history, as I was forced to get a new phone, and I have spent hours trying to get the same association to come up.

bump

Still looking through librivox. Found other great books, but not this one.

I found it! The book is Fern's Hollow by Hesba Stretton.