Author Visit - Douglas Bond

This time last week we were welcoming Douglas Bond to the shop. It was a busy afternoon of book signing, book selling, history talking and cake eating!

 If you weren't able to make it this time, we very much hope there will be another opportunity in years to come... we will let you know! In the meantime, there are plenty of Douglas Bond books to read.  Doug writes gripping historical fiction for both adults and children. But he is not just a fiction writer - he writes solid biographies too, plus a few books on theology and Christian living. He also has a particular interest in hymnology. Take a look at this list of his titles that we stock, many of which we have personally reviewed...

Books by Douglas Bond

The First London Confession of Faith

We seem indebted to US publishers for so many valuable reprints these days. Particular Baptist Press have brought out a quality edition of a much neglected early Baptist Confession. Lumpkin thought it the Confession that had the greatest 'formative ... influence on Baptist life.' It was first issued in 1644. Then, when some degree of toleration was experienced by nonconformists, it was revised and reprinted in 1646, together with an Appendix by Benjamin Cox to clarify some points of doctrine which had been questioned by opponents. Seven Baptist churches in London came together to produce it, probably to distance themselves from continental Anabaptists and to assure the authorities of their peacefulness and morality. I'm not sure that Michael Haykin's view expressed in the historical introduction that it was written to 'demonstrate once and for all their fundamental solidarity with the international Calvinist community' is quite true. The later Baptist Confession of 1689 smacks more of that: it falls much more into line with the Westminster Confession. But in 1644 conditions were more precarious for Baptists. The Civil War was on, but neither side could be looked to for granting liberty of conscience. There were many amongst the Parliamentarians who were as intolerant of them as the King was. So this Confession is a brave, unflinching declaration of faith, having the feel of something forged in the fires of persecution - a kind of 'here I stand, I can do no other' type of Confession. It is notable for its conciseness, its Christ-centredness, and its grasp of the New Testament doctrine of the Church and the life of the believer.

A facsimile of the original title page is included in this edition. It looks back to the past with affection, but is also intended to be of practical use today, and modern formatting facilitates that.

'The First London Confession of Faith 1646 Edition' is published by Particular Baptist Press in paperback. Our price is just £3.50.

2000 years of Christ's Power - Offer Ending Soon

The long awaited 4th volume in the '2000 Years of Christ's Power' series is now available.  It covers the period 1560-1740: an era of great struggles, of war and theological controversy when there was conflict between traditions, and conflict within traditions. Dr Nick Needham, lecturer in Church History at Highland Theological College in Dingwall, covers Germany, England and Scotland, as well as issues affecting the Reformed Faith, Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Quite an assortment!  

Don't miss out on this great offer - only available until the end of February

2000 Years of Christ's Power by Nick Needham

First Wives' Club

Twenty-first century lessons from the lives of sixteenth century women.

This book belongs to an exclusive club in itself - at least as engineered by the publisher - it is designed and jacketed in such a feminine manner as to cause any man to feel rather intrusive in daring to peep between its covers. But in defiance of this I determined to brave all to see what kind of lessons were being given and what standard of historical analysis was being relied upon for deriving them. I had a pleasant surprise. The author is a robust historian - the blurb declares her as a prize winner at Cambridge University - and she serves it up effortlessly. Among the six women she studies from Reformation Europe she has boldly chosen three who are relative unknowns. Who has heard of Katharina Zell or Argula von Grumbach for instance? Perhaps the scanty historical information in these cases is pressed too far and hence the lessons contrived, but it is good to be introduced to them. Of course the danger with historical lessons is that we judge people by today's standards and assume that our values are superior. However this book is birthed in the belief that we live in a post-Christian society and determines to be counter-cultural. The women of 500 years ago are looked to as role models because of the biblical mindedness which was fundamental to the Reformation. That shapes the view that a woman's role is not one of ecclesiastical leadership but complementary to the man's role. And this is not necessarily the traditional one despised of feminists. We witness variation in the sixteenth century due to circumstances in family, health, persecution, the nature and place of a husband's ministry, etc. In all these cases the women faithfully studied to understand and apply the teaching of scripture. This is the message being communicated to the women of today. It deserves a hearing and I believe men need to listen in too. We all should be inspired to build our lives on the Word of God.

'First Wives' Club' by Clare Heath-Whyte, p/b, 10Publishing, £7.99.

In addition to the two ladies already mentioned, Katie Luther, Anna Zwingli, Wibrandis Rosenblatt and Idelette Calvin make up the club.

Jeremy

Patrick of Ireland

Of the Early Church Fathers perhaps none is so remembered in the secular world than (St) Patrick, and few so neglected by evangelical Christians!  It is therefore a joy to discover anew this beacon of Celtic Christianity, reclaimed from outrageous legend and Romish gloss by Michael Haykin.  Whilst it would be going too far to claim the true Patrick (died c. AD 460) as an evangelical - indeed anachronistic - yet his faith seems sound, and certainly orthodox.

Haykin treats as suspect almost all historical data apart from the two different documents definitely ascribed to Patrick - his 'confessions' and a letter to a British chief.  From these we learn that although Ireland was the backdrop for the most significant features of Patrick's spiritual life, he was in fact from Britain.  He was carried captive to Ireland by pirates while a youth, converted during this time, and then managed to escape back to his homeland.  Later he made the momentous and courageous decision to go back to Ireland, now freely as a missionary to bring the gospel of Christ to those who had once been his captors.

Patrick was not some superstitious monk, but a humbly educated man with an intense devotion to his Old Latin Bible.  Haykin provides an assessment of Patrick's belief in the inerrancy of scripture and of its place in the development of his thinking about ministry, mission and doctrine.  Another chapter helpfully discusses Patrick's theology, particularly his Trinitarian creed.  Today's evangelical, who perhaps assumes the Trinity and gives scant thought to it, would be shamed by the fervent commitment of Patrick to the correct understanding of God's nature and being.  Celtic Christians like him were certainly not primitive or doctrinally flabby!  This is recommended reading.  One criticism would be that there is some repetition of material due to the way in which the book is arranged, with Patrick's life and times followed by more detailed specific studies of his thought.

This is the first in a new series edited by Michael A G Haykin called 'Early Church Fathers'.

'Patrick of Ireland. His Life and Impact' p/b £7.99. Christian Focus Publications.

NB. Also available in this series is 'Basil of Caesarea. His Life and Impact'.

Jeremy

Some Welsh Ministers

From Howell Harris to Christmas Evans. In fact six key figures from the century of revivals from the 1730s onwards are covered in this book of short biographical studies. They vary in the space given to each - Harris probably gets most attention, but a loving share is reserved for William Williams, the hymn writer of the revival. His hymns have endured longer than the many chapels of Calvinistic Methodism that Wales became famous for. But this is not a denominationally minded book. It is informative in a small package, and there are some devotionally rich veins to be found, eg. Of controversy, Howell Harris said 'the humble address succeeds best in the school of Christ.' I hope it will stimulate interest in men like Christmas Evans and his ministry in Anglesey and the Lleyn Peninsula, now tourist destinations. He was behind getting John Gill's Commentary translated into Welsh as an aid for young preachers, after Thomas Charles had been instrumental in gaining a Welsh bible.

Published by Gospel Standard Publications. £5 paperback.

Jeremy

Some new books

We seem to be innundated with new titles at the moment!  Here's a few new children's books that have arrived from the Banner of Truth...

 'Wait till you see the Butterfly' is a book of short stories for boys and girls.  The stories are divided into 3 different age levels but range from 4-12yrs.  I have randomly picked out some from each age category to read and found them very well written and each with a Gospel application. All scripture references are from the Authorised Version.

'Heroes of the Faith' is a new series written by Sinclair Ferguson. The series starts with Ignatius, Polycarp and Irenaeus.  Published as quality hardbacks and with lovely illustrations, these would make good gift books.
Lorna

Crushed yet Conquering

Crushed yet Conquering is a historical novel based on John Huss and the Hussite Wars. Although placed in our 11+ section I would hesitate to recommend this book to someone of such a young age.  It is a typical Deborah Alcock story, accurately historical, spiritually sound and a gripping read.  My reservations are only because the first part of the story dwells on John Huss and his theology in some detail using his writings at length to describe his defence before the 'Holy' Council and his eventual martyrdom at the stake.  This section takes some ploughing through at times, but is helped by the fictional story woven around it and becomes an easier read as the Hussite wars following the death of Huss are described.  I certainly learnt a lot about the history of this time and the theology of the Church as it was developing in the period leading up to the Reformation.
Lorna
Crushed yet Conquering by Deborah Alcock, published by Inheritance Publications, £12.50

History Lives

The blurb on the back of this book reads... 'Let history come to life - just the way it should do', and I think it certainly fulfills that. Intended for 9-14 yr olds, I have been reading this to my 5 yr old and he has been enthralled. 'Peril and Peace - Chronicles of the Ancient Church' is fictionalised Church History. It begins right back at the Apostle Paul and his shipwreck on the island of Malta. Although some readers may be slightly uncomfortable with fictionalisation of a Bible passage, it moves quickly on to Polycarp, Augustine and many other 'greats' in the history of the ancient Church. The biographical chapters are interspersed with shorter chapters outlining other issues pertinent to those times. With timelines, maps and bibliography this is a great resource for children and should certainly drum up some enthusiasm for a subject that is often seen as dry and 'boring'.
'Peril and Peace' is just the first book in the History Lives series. The fifth has recently been published and brings us right up to the present time.
Peril and Peace - Chronicles of the Ancient Church
Monks and Mystics - Chronicles of the Medieval Church
Courage and Conviction - Chronicles of the Reformation Church
Hearts and Hands - Chronicles of the Awakening Church
Rescue and Redeem - Chronicles of the Modern Church 1860 AD - Tomorrow.
Each by Mindy and Brandon Withrow, £5.99
Highly Recommended!
Lorna

Gospel Standard DVD

This is a valuable resource. The Gospel Standard (GS) is one of the oldest 'living' monthly magazines in existence, and on this DVD is every one going back to the beginning in 1835, so there is much here for the historian. The development of a Strict Baptist denomination is discernable in the tone and style of the editorials. This DVD also gives the capability to enable the theological student to pursue doctrinal themes of interest, and to examine primary sources rather than relying on hearsay. It is particularly good to see some of the older, rarer magazines reproduced in a searchable pdf format. When the GS magazine first appeared it was also entitled 'The Feeble Christian's Support'. That experiential (or experimental) aspect has always been a hallmark, so much timeless material can still be read and appreciated by those who simply want to feed on the doctrines of sovereign grace today.

Its appearance is one of the best things the GS Trust could have undertaken to do. It fills a big gap, but costs £35, although this is very comparable to AGES software productions for example.

Jeremy

Providence

Site of the day for historians, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary Services of the building of the new chapel at The Headlands http://www.strictbaptisthistory.org.uk/_private/providencenpton.htm The book referred to can be obtained direct from the deacon, or else from us.
Jeremy