Five English Reformers (J. C. Ryle)

Five English Reformers

Few martyrs words are as stirring as those of Bishop Hugh Latimer’s to Dr. Nicholas Ridley: “Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day light such a candle, by God’s grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out.”   Five English Reformers includes the lives of:

• John Hooper
• Rowland Taylor
• Hugh Latimer
• John Bradford
• Nicholas Ridley

Why were such men burned at the stake? What were the great convictions in which they lived and for which they were prepared to sacrifice life itself? What made their lives and testimony to Christ’s gospel so powerful? Do Christians today share either their convictions or their faithfulness? It remains true as ever that godly martyrs, though dead, still speak to the church.

This led J.C. Ryle last century to pen these pungent biographies of Five English Reformers. Along with an analysis of the reasons for their martyrdom, Ryle points out the salient characteristics of their Christian lives. Such men still prove to be examples, warnings and challenges all in one, to Christians today. Readers will rise from reading their life-stories, to prayer for a similar faith in Christ’s power.

About the Author

John Charles Ryle was born of well-to-do parents at Macclesfield on 10 May 1816. After a period of private schooling, he entered Eton in February 1828, where he excelled at rowing and cricket. Going up to Christ Church, Oxford in October 1834, he continued his sporting prowess. Ryle captained the First Eleven in his second and third years, achieving a personal 10-wicket bowling triumph in the 1836 Varsity match at Lords (which Oxford won by 121 runs).

Various circumstances and incidents in his own and others’ lives had awakened Ryle to the knowledge that all was not well with his soul. Matters came to a head not long before he took his Finals in 1837. He was struck down with a serious chest infection, and for the first time in fourteen years he turned to his Bible and prayer. Then one Sunday, arriving late to church he was in time to hear the reading of Ephesians chapter two. As he listened, he felt that the Lord was speaking directly to his soul. His eyes were opened when he heard verse 8, ‘For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.’ He was converted through hearing the Word of God, without comment or sermon.