A Brief Book Notice from Books At a Glance
by Fred G. Zaspel
Michael Haykin just informed us of his newest book. I’ve just finished reading the first chapter, which, by itself, is worth the price of admission. Scanning the remaining chapters I find only more of the same. Vintage Haykin: well-informed, filled with original quotes, enjoyably illuminating.
This little (small size) book highlights the lives of two English Reformers (Hugh Latimer and Katharine Willoughby) and two English Puritans (William Bridge and Hercules Collins).
- Latimer was a “prophetic” kind of preacher in his day, bravely calling England back to the gospel and biblical truth.
- Katharine Willoughby, the Duchess of Suffolk and second wealthiest woman in her day (behind Queen Elizabeth II), famously and faithfully used her wealth and influence for gospel advance.
- William Bridge confronted the growing challenge of the Quakers and their emphasis on the Spirit at the expense of His Word. His response is as relevant to our own day that prizes experience over Scripture.
- Hercules Collins, a Puritan Baptist, experienced severe persecution and imprisonment for his commitment to Baptist beliefs. His catechism is a monument to the ongoing importance of biblical teaching in the home and in the church.
- In an appendix Haykin offers a brief study of the life and thought of John Milton, the author of the classic Puritan work, Paradise Lost.
Jonathan Cleland of Heritage College & Seminary, Ontario, writes,
One of Michael Haykin’s goals as a church historian has been to introduce readers to lesser-known figures in church history. Light from the Word fits with this aim. This book focuses on four English figures from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries: Hugh Latimer, Katherine Willoughby, William Bridge, and Hercules Collins. Along with a brief appendix on John Milton, the volume displays the central place of Scripture held by these figures in a way that not only teaches one about church history but also about the Christian life. Light from the Word is engaging and accessible, and a welcome read to anyone interested in the English Reformation and the Puritans.
Enjoyable, informative reading.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. “Meat, not strawberries”
Hugh Latimer & biblical preaching in the English Reformation
2. “Christ … hath left His Gospel behind Him a rule sufficient”
Katherine Willoughby, the Puritan Duchess
3. The “adoration of the fullness of the Scriptures”
The Puritanism of William Bridge
4. To “concenter with the most orthodox divines”
Hercules Collins and his An Orthodox Catechism
Appendix:
A reflection on the life and thought of John Milton (1608‒1674)