Five English Martyrs

I have been reading this book by the good Bishop Ryle and it is excellent to say the least. Any writing by Ryle is recommended reading for Christians everywhere: Ryle is not afraid to shoot straight from the hip, and say what needs to be said. This is a moving and endearing book, as it not only explains the manner in which Latimer, Ridley, Hooper, Taylor and Bradford died, but also the theological reasons for why they thought it necessary to die. This book is four things: 1) a history lesson 2) five biographies 3) an introduction to reformation theology 4) a defense of reformed evangelical "low church" theology, against a more "high" ritualistic, Catholic tradition Ryle happily uses a lot of source material, however it would be misleading to say he simply quotes large slabs of Foxe. He quotes sections where it is appropriate, but abridges to make the 15th century language appropriate for his 19th century readers. He also pulls in other sources from existing writing and correspondence from each of these Reformers. In this way, he's able to explain their theology and how it is still relevant. Ryle also explains the historical context, and the theological and social factors at the time. This is not only a moving story of martyrdom, but a convincing argument that doctrine is worth dying for.

A previous reviewer, Potatohead, has said that s/he would stick with Fox(e). This may be a reasonable recommendation. However, J. C. Ryle helps us to put the persecution of the English reformers in a relatively modern context. Pumpkinhead that I am (as opposed to Potatohead), I would probably be better off with the new updated and expanded edition of Foxe's Book of Martyrs, because the archaic English has been rewritten by Harold J. Chadwick (ISBN 0-88270-672-1).On the topic of the above-stated "modern context" of J. C. Ryle (circa 1880 - I wish Banner of Truth would put the original publication date), he often predicts a turning back by the Church of England to the ways of Rome. We, with the the luxury of hindsight, can see that to some extent this has happened, but far more damaging has been the disastrous assault of liberalism.I agree with Ryle wholeheartedly, that the blood of the martyrs should never be forgotten.Thoroughly enjoyable, but unfortunately only 4 stars as (1) I agree with Potatohead's criticisms on the over-use of Fox(e), and (2) There is no index!

This is the first book I read after becoming a reformed Christian. The personal stories of these five martyrs sheds magnificent light on the atmosphere of the time. Contained within is also one of the best abbreviated histories (30 short pages!) of the Protestant Reformation. It is amazing to discover that a handful of humble men lead such a significant event in Christian history.Another fine book similar to this is SEEING THE INVISIBLE by Faith Cook, published by Evangelical Press.

Five English Reformers describes the lives of five men who were burnt at the stake while under the reign of Queen Mary the 1st or better known as "Bloody Mary ". They were, John Hooper, a Protestant bishop, Rowland Taylor, Rector of Hadleigh, Hugh Latimer a Protestant bishop, John Bradford, and Nicholas Ridley, another Protestant bishop. J.C.Ryle divides the book into six parts, the first describing why they were burnt, and the last five , a description of each of their lives. Ryle takes much of his material from John Foxe's Book of Martyrs to give an easy to read account of men who died for Christ. It shows the true colors of "Bloody Mary" under whose reign these men and 283 others including, fifty-five women and four children were burnt at the stake. I believe the chapters on Latimer and Ridley are the most touching of the book. I highly recommend this, and hope you will get as much out of it as I have. Another book worth reading is Fair Sunshine, by Jock Purves.