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.

Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation

by Douglas Bond
Available from Amazon
*****
This story begins in the book “Mr. Pipes and the British Hymnmakers”. In that book, Annie and Drew meet Mr. Pipes during a summer in England, and through him, they come to know about many hymn writers. They learn the hymns and discuss poetry, the meaning of the words, and the lives of the writers. Annie and Drew believe on the Lord Jesus, and then returned to the States with their mother at the end of the summer.

In this book, it is the next summer. Mr. Pipes has invited the children to tour Europe with him, and they are delighted to go. There are more hymn stories, of course, and the hymns with music are included at the end of each chapter. As the title states, the hymns are from the Reformation era, and they contain signs of the spiritual upheaval of the time. Mr. Pipes also points out interesting facts about the places they visit, which adds the interest of culture and European landmarks. Their trip takes them to from England to France, Germany and Switzerland, although most of the book occurs in Germany. Annie and Drew were impressed with the character of the German hymns: martial with gentleness and tenderness. Mr. Pipes told them of some of the persecutions the people endured, and they could see it reflected in the hymns. From battling their tempers to outwitting a spy, the children learn character, history and doctrine from Mr. Pipes with plenty of apt humor thrown in. Annie and Drew return to the States knowing more history, and with a deeper love for and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

I enjoyed this book so much. I think every Christian family should have this series, as the history of the hymns and hymn writers will draw the reader closer to Christ. Especially in this book, the hymns speak much of the preciousness of the person of the Lord. These books would also make great gifts for children from non-Christian families. Mr. Pipes is not preachy, and never pushes his strong beliefs on the children, although he never misses an opportunity to explain anything they ask about! Own this set of books!