For over 150 years, multitudes have enjoyed J. C. Ryle's books, sermons, and expositions. Of his various gifts and offices—pastor, writer, preacher, theologian—perhaps least known to the general public is that of historian. With Light From Old Times, Ryle establishes his command of history. "It is partly historical, and partly biographical, It is about facts and men."
In this book, Ryle casts light on milestones long forgotten by his generation. When was the Gospel first preached in the English tongue? Who was the first man to translate the entire Bible into English? Why were men, women and children burned alive? How did Mary Tudor earn the unhappy name Bloody Mary? Whose evil policies forced thousands of seventeenth-century pilgrims to seek refuge in America? Ryle answers these questions by tracing the English reformation as seen through the eyes of those who reformed the Church. Well schooled in the Fathers who kept the faith, he instructs their "children's children" who will inherit that faith. He brings focus and clarity to the epochs which forever changed the destiny of the English speaking peoples.
Charles Spurgeon once described J. C. Ryle as "an evangelical champion, for whom we entertain a profound regard." Light From Old Times, however, tells us of other evangelical champions who merit our profound regard. Says Ryle, "I, for one, want the names of our martyred Reformers to be household words in every Protestant family throughout the land."
Spurgeon also described Ryle as "One of the bravest and best of men. . ." Yet this volume points us to still braver and better men: "Never, I believe, since Christ left the world, did Christian men ever meet a cruel death with such glorious faith, and hope and patience as these Marian martyrs.
With his typical eloquence he lays bare the plain truth for all to see. While some pages are filled with the fragrant aroma of God's grace, others reek with the stench of burning flesh—but all are Ryle at his best—gracious, forceful, judicious, and honest. Light From Old Times illuminates the ancient paths. Like points on a compass, the lives sketched in this volume and the doctrines uncovered by it guide us toward the true gospel—the one worth living for—and the one worth dying for.
Currently out of print. We recommend checking addall for used copies.
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