Stories of the Reformation in Germany and England: For Young People

by Rev. B. G. Johns, MA
Available from Vision Forum and Amazon
*****

The first of the two books is the title: Stories of the Reformation in Germany and England, and chapters alternate between the life and work of Martin Luther, and the life of Sir Harry Gray. Though nobility and through a life between estate and court, Harry Gray came to believe the same truths as Luther. He saw many of his acquaintances lose their lives for their faith, and came very near to giving up his own for Christ.

The second book is A Child’s Life of Luther, and is very well written for young audiences. Actually both works are wonderful for children. The Child’s Life of Luther is an excellent biography in that most of the text is taken from the actual words of those under discussion. Journals and letters of Luther, his friends, and others concerned in his history are quoted for the most accurate biography.

The author does not make the common mistake of practically deifying a great man. He says, “It must be confessed that Luther was at times very severe, and that he often used expressions which seem to us harsh and indelicate. For this Luther has been much blamed. But he was not perfect, any more than other men. It was his zeal in the cause of truth that led him into it.” And again, “Bitter and unyielding, not doubt he was; but it was with him a case of conscience. He dreaded a too free and irreverent use of the words of the Bible. Luther was not without his faults; but they seemed to be the result of a warm and devoted attachment to the cause of truth. If we should claim perfect for Luther, we should thereby place him above the apostles. Even St. Paul and St. Peter were not without their frailties and errors, as we learn from the Holy Scriptures.”

This volume does show us Luther in his frailties as well as his greatness, and the reader will come to love this man, simple and courageous, and devoted to the Lord Jesus Christ. Even young children will be able to understand and enjoy this book. I recommend the whole three-book series.