Forgotten Reformer: Myles Coverdale

 Myles (or Miles) Coverdale is a very significant, but largely overlooked, figure in the English Reformation. From a monastic background, he was among the group of scholars at Cambridge in the 1520s who became influenced by Martin Luther's teaching, most of whom were later burnt at the stake for their beliefs. Coverdale only escaped a martyr's death through the intervention of the King of Denmark with Queen Mary. He was exiled to Europe, ending up at Geneva where he joined John Knox' church and came under John Calvin's influence. Here he assisted in the translation of the Geneva Bible. However his greatest feat of Bible translation work had come twenty years before in an earlier exile, joining up with William Tyndale on the continent, and after his death going on to finish what was the first complete Bible in English after the invention of printing. His life was a series of ups and downs: in different phases he was  Bishop of Exeter, but then a penniless teacher in a school in Germany. Through it all he remained the quiet, peaceable character that he was, combined with steely resolve when it came to matters of conscience. His humble determination to serve God, despite not being the literary genius that Tyndale was, is beautifully stated in his Prologue to the 1535 Coverdale Bible, and concludes with a good motto for every Christian:-

It was neither my labour nor desire to have this work put in my hand: nevertheless it grieved me that other nations should be more plenteously provided for with the Scriptures in their mother tongue, than we: therefore when I was instantly required, though I could not do so well as I would, I thought it my duty to do my best, and that with good will.

This study of Coverdale's life and work gives a real insight into the power and providence of God, bringing about and sustaining the Reformation. It would complement the History GCSE topic on King Henry VIII perfectly, to help young people see the greater spiritual movement that took place alongside the political events of that period.

Forgotten Reformer: Myles Coverdale  by G F Main, privately published, 2021. £10.

The Subversive Puritan

Perhaps this is not the most colourful re-telling of what must have been a very colourful life. But it is a thoughtful biography, in which Mostyn Roberts considers what Roger Williams' life and belief have to say to present day Christians. He had to find answers to important questions which divided opinions among godly people - and still do. Should the church aim to gain civil power? Does it seek freedom of conscience for itself alone among the different faiths making up society? Should it be expected that Christian observances and values are enforced by the powers that be? Williams wrestled with these issues both before and after embarking for New England, where Puritans had sought a new home and a fresh start free from interference in the mother country. He found that, sadly, the persecuted soon became the persecutors. Thus he was eventually banished from Massachusetts for his views on the separation of church and state, which entailed tremendous hardships for him and his family as it was winter at the time. But he was a true pioneer, first in going out to find a place to settle, and then in helping to establish a new colony, Rhode Island, and ensuring that its charter was the first in the world to protect full liberty of conscience - for all.
Williams has been rewarded with a statue at the Reformation wall in Geneva, yet all too few know of him today. This book goes a long way to put that right, and throw light on a man of uncompromising integrity - yet so as to show him as Cromwell desired to have his own portrait painted - 'warts and all.'
The Subversive Puritan. Roger Williams and Freedom of Conscience by Mostyn Roberts, published by EP Books, £9.99.

Marjorie Bowen

Marjorie Bowen is one of the lesser known authors that Inheritance Publications have reprinted. Her historical fiction focuses on two major characters, Oliver Cromwell and William of Orange (in the 'William and Mary Trilogy'). It is a contribution quite different from other authors I have read on these men. Her style of writing is very dramatic - perhaps psychological is the word. There is lots of intense dialogue and careful description, and she stages some fascinating interviews between Cromwell and King Charles I, showing the contrast between them, and yet, surprisingly, the similarity also. She doesn't major on military themes, she indulges her imagination rather around some of the historical details and she doesn't fully grasp the nature of the personal faith of these men - these are some negatives. Hence it would be wise to read other biographies as well to achieve balance, but this is a point that is equally true of most authors. However, for emotionally engaging books, far removed from dry and dusty history, Marjorie Bowen provides some very fine reading for teenagers upwards.

Our current offer of 25% off all Inheritance Publications ends 31st January 2019 - don't miss out!

Luther in Love

It might sound a rather frivolous title, but don't be fooled - this is a book with serious historical substance. The life of Martin Luther has been much chronicled over the years, but Douglas Bond has taken it and put a new slant upon it in the best traditions of historical fiction. He shows us the man and his times through the eyes of his wife Katharina von Bora. This brings their relationship and their home life before us - the ex-monk and the ex-nun in the former monastery at Wittenberg. It was a busy, almost chaotic place, what with all the students that boarded with them. Here Luther held court with his famous tabletalk, played the lute and composed hymns, and brought up his children. Here the practical and human side of his Reformation theology was worked out. We see Luther warts and all - by turns explosive, tender, witty, depressive. We admire his industry, his literary output, his devotion to scripture and his courage, but the author also takes care that we see that the best of men are but men at best. Careful research into Luther's books, sermons and letters has furnished him with material to weave into the dialogue and give credibility to the story, and in this Douglas Bond has once again done a magnificent job. This is not action packed fiction, but the tale of the drama of those times of God-wrought change, and the depiction of the clash of ideas, together with a portrayal of Luther's powerful personality means that one finishes the book informed, stirred and edified.

'Luther in Love' by Douglas Bond is published by Ink Blots Press in paperback for £11.99. It is currently only available in the UK from us.

The Mighty Weakness of John Knox

We can often feel like pygmys in comparison to 'the measure of the stature of Christ' that some in the past attained to. But a good thing about 'A Long Line of Godly Men Profile' series from Reformation Trust (attached to Ligonier Ministries) is that it is designed to inspire. It is not eulogy disguised as biography. The lives of men like John Knox are studied to see the grace that was with them, and to point to their God - the ever living God. Douglas Bond has chosen to focus helpfully upon what he terms 'the mighty weakness' of Knox. That is, he was not a man who left sins and infirmities behind when he was born again, proceeding from strength to strength in a victorious life. No, out of fear he at first even refused to preach; he endured frail health all his days (although once spending months as a French galley slave!); and he had low views of himself and did not seek prominence. However, he fervently desired that Christ might be magnified among his fellow countrymen, and in prayer and preaching he laboured to that end. 'Out of weakness he was made strong.' He resembled the apostle Paul: 'I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.' Bond turns the spotlight upon Knox's power in a series of chapters on his submission to Christ and his word, prayer, preaching, writing, keynote doctrine (predestination), and pastoral care. But a glimpse into the greatness of Knox's spirit is seen in his attribution of the wonderful success of the Scottish Reformation: 'God gave his Holy Spirit in great abundance to simple men.' Oh for more such men!

The Mighty Weakness of John Knox published by Reformation Trust is a £12.99 quality hardback with dustjacket.

A Clearing of the Mists

In Pursuit of Wisdom upon the Scottish Hills.

Martin Haworth is a previously unknown name to me, but he reveals something of his journey to faith in this deeply reflective book. His has been a varied life: brought up in Manchester (Mancunians beware page 31!), dropping out of University to a back-to-nature job in forestry in Scotland, but also at other stages working in business in the Middle East, then starting up a guesthouse in the Scottish Highlands, before feeling a call to missionary work in the Philippines. He has always had a passion for the great outdoors, and the mountains of Scotland have drawn him back again and again to them, not only to complete his round of the 'Munros' (all the peaks over 3000 ft high to the uninitiated), but also for spiritual reasons. He would be the first to refute the idea of valid spiritual experience deriving solely from lonely mountain fastnesses, without regard to the Creator of those wonderful high places, nevertheless here his soul has been refreshed in God. Out of these times he draws some twenty one chapters of 'guided meditations'. Their titles, such as 'Seeking Direction', 'In Adversity', 'Being Approved', and 'In Fear of Man' give a flavour of the topics he explores, relating them to particular ascents he has made on well known, and some less well known, mountains of Scotland (hand drawn maps helpfully included). Haworth has some great tales to tell: most of his walks were solo (not to be copied!) and many were in demanding but rewarding winter conditions. Hill walkers of all standards from pootlers to scramblers will respond to his enthusiasm for the wilds. It is good to come across a book of this type, which has a christian perspective on it, and aims at magnifying the glory of God as seen in his creation, as well as deriving lessons for life's pathway. The meditations and their applications are not all of the same quality: there is some navel gazing and some doubtful theology to be sure, but there is also much to chew slowly and thoughtfully on. Here is your invitation to create a 'mountain panorama' of your life (and draw it if you wish, see page 249!) Note: many Bible portions are quoted in full, unfortunately from the NIV.

'A Clearing of the Mists' by Martin C Haworth
Christian Focus Publications
£8.99 p/b

Jeremy

Thirza

This little booklet was published by Gospel Tidings Publication in 1978, sold out long ago, and has now been reissued in response to demand. 

The preface assures us that this is indeed a true story, which has been questioned by those who doubt the reality or power of the Holy Spirit. It was translated from German in the mid-1800s and gives the account of the remarkable conversion of Thirza, a young Jewish woman and her parents, traced back, as far as the means goes, to the words of Matthew 11:28 and 1 John 1:7. These were brought back to memory from her very early schooldays spent at a Christian school. What a salutary reminder this is that we should never be discouraged in the endeavour of spreading the word of God! Thirza's father, though a devout Jew, had allowed her to go to a Christian school thinking that she was too young to receive any serious impression from it. But these gracious words were planted like a seed not only in her heart, but that of her mother also, and sprang to life at the appointed time. Thirza was immediately disinherited by her father on hearing of her conversion, but even this could not prevent God's working in his soul and he eventually was glad of her help when brought under conviction of sin.

The subtitle of this story is 'The Power of the Cross' and how evident that is here! But there is also much profitable reflection within the account provided by the translator, Elizabeth Maria Lloyd, on true spiritual experience. This has application beyond the pages of this booklet, and is certainly not unique to this family, thanks to the grace of God.

The many scriptural quotations are from the Authorised Version. Recommended.

Jeremy

Thirza by Elizabeth Maria Lloyd, published by Gospel Tidings Publications, £1.95, booklet.

Girolamo Savonarola

It is good to see something in print on this lesser known pre-Reformation figure. Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498) was rooted in the Medieval monkish traditions, but he thundered out his denunciations of a corrupt Church and Pope from his pulpit in Florence. He blazed a trail which men like Martin Luther in the next generation would follow and develop. Indeed Luther pays tribute to him:

'Although some theological mud still adhered to the feet of that holy man, [he] nevertheless maintained justification by faith alone without works, and he was burned by the Pope.'

Sadly this was indeed his end, the result of criticising moral corruption too strongly and publicly. He presented a scriptural challenge to the Renaissance humanists and their proud culture in a city where artists of legendary fame were legion. He also grieved over the Church of Rome, evacuated of the gospel of Christ, consumed by worldliness and guilty of tyranny over the consciences of the people. Savonarola spoke boldly, not in Latin, but in the Italian that they could understand. Moreover he extended his reach by a farsighted adoption of the emerging technique of the printing press. Remarkably, he was the most widely published author of the fifteenth century, with editions of his sermons in French and German.

In those days a biblical message of judgment, repentance and grace as the sinner's only refuge could lead to no other conclusion but elimination. Thus Savonarola suffered a martyr's death. Yes, we can see many faults in him, but he has much about faithfulness to teach us, and we delight in his gospel witness in such dark days of church history.

Anything written by Douglas Bond is worth reading, but this book was slightly disappointing. Maybe it is the consequence of a co-authored book, because the material seemed awkwardly arranged in places. Nevertheless it is clear and straightforward as befits a title in this generally excellent Bitesize Biography series.
Jeremy

Girolamo Savonarola by Douglas Bond and Douglas McComas, published by EP Books, p/b,£6.99.

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

Far Above Rubies

This is a biography that many will consider long overdue.  Apart from Bethan Lloyd-Jones' own 'Memories of Sandfields', there is little known about the woman who supported the well known D Martyn Lloyd-Jones through his years of influential pastoral ministry.  Interviews with the Lloyd-Jones' daughters and access to letters written by and to Bethan have made this biography well researched and full of anecdotes. 

Bethan was by all accounts a remarkable woman, a strong character who initially clashed with the man she later came to marry. Interestingly, she was truly converted only after their marriage and under the ministry of her husband, and this changed her legalistic 'Christian' ways to a life that was lived through love to the Lord and to others around her. She was clearly an independent thinker and neither she nor Martyn followed tradition for tradition's sake. This is notable in her efforts as a pastor's wife and as a parent.  Bethan did though have her difficulties: one that came through clearly was her struggles with anxiety.  This was a particular problem for her in the area of travel, and also in illness.  However, it is evident that she was brought to find peace through trusting in God in these matters.

Indeed, there are many spiritual and practical lessons to be learnt from this account and the author is particularly skillful in drawing these out.  To further this end there has been added a 'Questions for Reflection' section at the back of the book.  This gives a number of questions exploring the subjects and spiritual lessons that can be learnt from each chapter. These would be ideal to use as prompts in a group setting. Additionally there are also helpful Appendices giving further pertinent information related to each chapter.

Overall, Far Above Rubies is a fascinating insight into the life of a woman who played a hugely important supporting role in the life of 'the doctor'.

Lorna

Far Above Rubies - The Life of Bethan Lloyd-Jones by Lynette Clark, £8.99

Forty Years in the Wilderness

'The Autobiography of an early Australian Baptist' is how the book is described - but John Chandler started life as an English one! As a young man he emigrated to Australia with his parents and (a fascinating social study) a group of members from a Strict and Particular Baptist chapel in Brighton. He goes on to give a rare firsthand description of the life of an 'ordinary' settler in the State of Victoria in the mid-1800s. Its value is demonstrated in that, though it was left to gather dust by Particular Baptists, it was rediscovered by secular historian Michael Cannon in 1990 and published out of historical interest. He however had no understanding of Chandler's religion and his lack of sympathy for it resulted in drastic editorial work. But at least, although with limitations, this honest and interesting account of the hardships and fortitude of the early white Australians was made public once again.

Those of us who have known of Chandler's book since the 1990s have long looked forward to a time when it might be published again in full, and his faith revealed in addition to his adventures. Gospel Standard Trust Publications (GS) have obliged at last, and with the input of considerable research, brought out a new and complete edition. The original book was scarce but came in two forms. They had different endings. It seems there was a 'diplomatic' version, glossing over some awkward aspects of contemporary church affairs, and also a longer no holds barred version! The new edition contains both endings and also supplies copious footnotes to provide explanations and contexts for many of Chandler's geographical and historical references, which otherwise would be lost on today's readers - especially English ones.

A foreword has been written by Annette Seymour, who is the wife of the current pastor of Zion Chapel, Hawthorn (a suburb of Melbourne) which Chandler was instrumental in founding. This aspect of the book is fascinating to students of Baptist beginnings and beliefs in Australia, but it is disappointing that the GS edition's footnotes give limited attention to it in comparison to the amount of detail provided on secular Australian history. For John Chandler was emphatically a Particular Baptist; his own striking experience of the sovereign grace of God led him to this conclusion. Indeed it is noteworthy that his Calvinistic theology was not an aberration - it had underpinned the labours of Henry Dowling, the founder of the first Baptist church formed in Australia in 1835. For more on him and Australia's Particular Baptist heritage refer to my five part Ryde Rediscovery Series. Ultimately, however, this is not a book of history or theology but a simple autobiography told in a compelling way, and it may be read with profit and pleasure by all ages from teenage years upwards.

'Forty Years in the Wilderness', by John Chandler, published by Gospel Standard Trust Publications, hardback, 288 pp including colour photos and other illustrations. Price £12 - very reasonable indeed.

Jeremy

The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts #BondBooks

The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts is much more than a biography.  Not only do we learn about Watts and his life, but we also learn and deeply contemplate the truths contained in his best loved hymns.  Bond slows us down to read carefully and meditate on Watts' theology and poetry.  We stop and pause as each line displays some glorious truth which Bond expounds and explains further.  We discover the background circumstances, the controversies of the day and more importantly the true religion of the hymnwriter.

Perhaps the greatest lesson to be learned from Watts' poetry is his understanding of how we read and interpret all of Scripture; Watts, like Spurgeon and the best preachers of the past and present, made a beeline for the cross, and so must we.

This is a profitable read and a must for any lover of Watts' hymns.  For those who are not familiar with his hymns, may this book serve as a taster to whet the appetite.

As we flounder about in the "liturgical fidget" of the contemporary church, Watts can provide both the theological and liturgical ballast Christian worship so desperately needs. And he can give us an emotional rudder, a means of steering the passions in worship by objective propositional truth feelingly delivered.

Lorna
The Poetic Wonder of Isaac Watts by Douglas Bond, Published by Reformation Trust, £12.99, hardback.

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

William Gadsby - Bitesize Biography

William Gadsby represents all that is best in the 'Gospel Standard' wing of High Calvinist Baptists.
In this book historian Dr Ian Shaw outlines the basics of Gadsby's life, but clearly draws upon his fuller study of Gadsby and Manchester to concentrate more on the character of the man and his pastorate in the context of the period of the industrial revolution.  It is a great pity that that previous study of his contained in 'High Calvinists in Action: Calvinism and the City, Manchester and London 1810-1860,' first published by OUP in 2002, now costs a scandalous price new or secondhand.  But at least some of the material is reworked in this bitesize offering. It is recommended reading. As fair an assessment is given of Gadsby as can be expected from an author not of the same theological persuasion.  Many anecdotes are borrowed from B. A. Ramsbottom's major biography, and so we meet and cannot but like Gadsby for his generosity and respect him as a pastor fighting for his people.  He did not set out to be an activist, but when the welfare of his church was at stake he was willing to speak out and engage with the issues of the day.
Notably little is mentioned of Gadsby's writings, which filled two volumes - not bad for a man who could scarcely read his Bible when converted as a young man!  These writings reflect how fiercely he was assaulted by the adopters of Andrew Fuller's duty faith doctrine, and by 'antinomian-sniffers'.  Hopefully his Works will be reprinted in full in due course, but in the meantime CBO Publications have made some important portions available via our bookshop, and Gospel Standard Publications have produced a book of his sermons plus his very useful catechism.  I have blogged on this before.
At the very least this book gives a balance to much of the anti-Gadsby propaganda that has been put out over the years, and a new generation can benefit from an account of this godly man and perhaps come to appreciate his sovereign grace message - still preached today.
Jeremy

William Gadsby by Ian J Shaw is published by EP Books in their 'Bitesize Biography' series.  Cost £6.99. From us £6.

Mother's Day

Hands up who's forgotten Mother's Day! Don't worry, it may only be 4 days away (yes, 10th March) but there is still time for us to get great books to your Mum - we will even gift wrap and send them direct if you wish.
I think the definition of a great book is very subjective - Jeremy assures me that Mums don't want to read books about being a Mum on Mother's Day because it's too depressing when they realise they are doing it all wrong, so I will try to steer clear of them in my recommendations!

Biographies are always a good read, here's one you probably won't find in another bookshop - Ann Judson, Missionary Wife reprinted from volume 1 of 'The Lives of the Three Mrs Judsons' by Arabella Stuart. This edition has been revised, edited & expanded by Corner Pillar Press and is a fascinating read of a devoted wife & missionary.
Otherwise the newest biography on our shelves is in the Bitesize Biography series & written by an excellent author Simonetta Carr, it is about Renee of France - have a read of the review on our site & see what you think.

Devotionals are another option, Lydia Brownback has written a series called On-the-Go Devotionals for women, which are easy to read & Christ centred.

Let me know what sort of book your Mum would like as a present & we will do our best to recommend a title. We can add in a Mother's Day card too!
Lorna

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

Fraser. Not a Private Matter

This story has the culture of the Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland for its background, but can be read without difficulty by the 'uninitiated'.  That is because the human experience of disease and suffering crosses all boundaries.  However not everyone has the capability to tell their story with such honesty and reflection as Fraser Tallach.  He was a fit, talented young man, ordained into the ministry and fully intent on serving the Lord in Canada when kidney disease struck.  Fraser's journal from here (Part 2 in the book) records his spiralling health to the point of staring death in the face.  This was in the 1960s when dialysis was a major procedure and transplants were only an emerging technique.   But Fraser is taken to deeper levels of God's grace and teaching even as he passes through pain and weakness with all their attendant emotions.  He wrote later "any resolving of my conflicts was a matter of faith rather than of experience."  Truly, 'my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD' (Isaiah 55:8).  Mercifully Fraser had a transplant at the eleventh hour, and recovered to be able to preach again for many more years.  But in the process of readjusting to normal life he had to struggle with depression.  Listen to this for insight from one who knew what he was talking about: "One word spoken in a threatening, condemnatory, condescending, supercilious or inquisitorial way is like a clap of thunder to a vulnerable person" (p124).
Being divided into three parts makes this a somewhat disjointed book, yet I think it works because the meat in the sandwich is so good.
Jeremy
'Fraser: Not a Private Matter' by Fraser Tallach with John & David Tallach, Banner of Truth Trust, £6.50 p/b.

Timeless Stories

This book took me by surprise. I had pigeonholed it in my mind as a collection of short biographies, along the lines of Faith Cook's recent 'Out of the Shadows.' In fact I was interested to see how this new kid on the block, author Vance Christie, compared to her. The first surprise was in the arrangement of the book. Story follows story, but biography doesn't follow biography. It is thematically arranged, with brief, almost 'bedtime story' type pieces. This is fresh, and makes a comfortable reading length. It therefore suits Christmas schedules(!) as well as commuters, or the elderly, or just those who want meditations prompted by lessons from the past. Indeed, preachers might find stories here to illustrate sermons. However the downside is that those who are not familiar with the individual lives of the likes of George Muller, C H Spurgeon, Dwight Moody, Corrie ten Boom, Billy Graham and others, will find it a bit chaotic. Christie does compare well with Faith Cook in my opinion in terms of historical research and attention to detail. His writing also holds the interest of the reader (always a help!) But, and this was my second surprise, he apparently finds no difficulty in lumping these very different famous Christian men and women together. There is no discussion of doctrinal differences, no critical analysis in that sense, although there is evaluation as well as appreciation of the experiences of the characters involved. This falls short of Faith Cook - whether you agree with her judgment or not.

'Timeless Stories. God's incredible work in the lives of inspiring Christians' is published by Christian Focus Publications (CFP) for £8.99. It is written by Vance Christie, who is an evangelical pastor from Nebraska, USA.

CFP have also published 'Women of Faith and Courage' by him, which costs the same but has a more conventional arrangement. It contains fascinating mini-biographies of Susanna Wesley, Fanny Crosby, Catherine Booth, Mary Slessor and Corrie ten Boom. (Susanna was my favourite). Again, the same absence of biblical assessment of their spiritual experience and ministry was a problem for me. It is as though as long as the broad banner of 'evangelical' can be draped around them all is well.

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

Christmas Evans

No, I'm not getting ahead of myself - this is not about Christmas. Just about a man who was named after the day he was born on! He lived from 1766-1838 and became a Baptist minister in Wales. Have you heard of him? Read this commendation by Dr D Martyn Lloyd-Jones no less: 'The great Christmas Evans, whom some would say was the greatest preacher that the Baptists have ever had in Great Britain'. This is quoted from the short biography written by B A Ramsbottom, published by The Bunyan Press at £2.95. I took this little book on holiday as we stayed on the Lleyn peninsula, scene of some of Evans' labours. It is hard to imagine now the powerful revival that came to that rugged and beautiful place through his ministry. There were 5 chapels on the peninsula built for him, but he used to preach in every village he visited, and 5 times on a Sunday! He also found time to translate John Gill's Commentary into Welsh, which shows the nature of his theology I think.

Following the careful directions given in the book we managed to locate the ruins of one of the chapels, before continuing on up to the top of Rhiw Mountain (not a true mountain at all!) where fine views over land and sea may be enjoyed. The cause of the ruination of the chapels was not time, but the fatal infection of false doctrine. Sandemanianism (bare belief in the facts of the Bible and Christ's redeeming work is sufficient for salvation) wreaked havoc where great blessing had been known. The Baptist cause suffered greatly and Christmas Evans was turned out of his beloved Anglesey, to their loss. Many good men and women found a new home amongst the Calvinistic Methodists. History has lessons for us...

Tim Shenton has written a book about Christmas Evans. It is a larger hardback published by Evangelical Press, but sadly out of stock from them at the moment. Last price was £11.99. Day One have also published a paperback by him at £8 (contains historical photos). We have this one in stock.

Jeremy