Hubert Ellerdale: A Tale of the Days of Wycliffe

Hubert Ellerdale: A Tale of the Days of Wycliffe (The Reformation Trail Series) by W. Oak Rhind
*****
When the book begins, Hubert Ellerdale is on his way to Oxford with his fiancee's brother. As time goes on, he becomes convinced that Wycliffe teaches the truth, and that Edith, his love, must agree about the church if they are still to marry. Her father objects to Wycliffe's ideas, and ends the engagement between Hubert and Edith. Hubert enters the priesthood, as he sees it the best way to preach the "reformed" truth. Edith pines for him, and her health becomes a concern to her father. Her father begins to see the light on church matters, and when he realizes that he and Hubert agree, he goes to find him. He tells Hubert that now instead of opposing their union, he would give it his blessing. Hubert is devastated with this news, because priests do not marry. Edith's health begins to return, however, with the news that Hubert still loves her. Hubert knows his Bible, and knows there is no reason why a minister of the gospel should not marry; indeed, it seems to him that the comfort and blessing of a wife would greatly further his work. Also, other priests are beginning to marry, but most people consider them to be scandalous and inappropriate. Hubert is afraid that to ask Edith to marry him would attach scandal to her name and character. A flood brings a crisis to his parish, and Edith and her father are trapped there, also. Edith helps to care for the sick and homeless, who are brought to Hubert's house. During this time, Edith makes a comment about other priests that marry... and you can guess the result.

The book continues with their work together, and the family they bring up. Persecution becomes more severe, and Hubert is sent to prison. He is nearly executed, and compromises his faith under promise of release. His health was so poor that he appeared to be dying, and he thought often of Edith and their little ones. He repents when his compromise turns out not to be enough to secure his freedom.

Later when he is free, a daughter accidently gives incriminating information to a spy, hunting out the heretics. Their sudden flight to safety is the cause of Edith's soon death.

The story is well written, giving a picture of the times, and a portrait of sincere lives devoted to their Saviour. They loved Him, His people, the lost, and each other, and they loved deeply. They knew the pain of loving, and losing the loved one, but found that God is always faithful.