Light From Old Times: or Protestant Facts And Men
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
After providing a short history of the Anglican Church, J. C. Ryle presents the biographies of some of the most influential English Reformers and detractors, some of whom are little known. Light From Old Times includes the biographies of John Wycliffe, John Rogers, John Hooper, Rowland Taylor, Hugh Latimer, John Bradford, Nichols Ridley, Samuel Ward, Archbishop Laud, Richard Baxter, William Gurnall, and James II.
Top Highlights
“The Church of Rome did not slay the Reformers; but she condemned them, and the secular power executed the condemnation” (Page 20)
“our martyred Reformers went to the stake rather than admit the real presence,” (Page 48)
“I ask my readers never to forget that for the burning of our Reformers the Church of Rome is wholly and entirely responsible. The attempt to transfer the responsibility from the Church to the secular power is a miserable and dishonest subterfuge.” (Page 20)
“Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day, by God’s grace, light such a candle in England as I trust shall never be put out.” (Page 33)
“Wyclif was one of the first, if not the very first, Englishmen who revived the apostolic ordinance of preaching” (Page 6)
- Title: Light From Old Times: or Protestant Facts And Men
- Author: J. C. Ryle
- Publisher: Chas. J. Thynne
- Publication Date: 1903
- Pages: 524
John Charles Ryle (1816-1900) began his service to the Lord as a minister of the Gospel. He was educated at Christ Church, Oxford, was ordained in 1841, and became a leader of the evangelical party in the Church of England. Ryle labored in parish churches within the Church of England for almost forty years. In 1880 he was designated dean of Salisbury and then became the First Bishop of Liverpool. He stayed in that role until 1900, shortly before his death.
Ryle came to international prominence as preacher, Bible expositor, and author. Today he is best known for his plain and lively writings on practical and spiritual themes. He deliberately used this style to reach ordinary people. The great aim of his ministry was to encourage strong and serious Christian living. His tracts and books sold in the millions in the late 1800s. Many of these have been republished in modern times. Ryle has been noted for his doctrinal essays and polemical writings. His bestselling titles include Expository Thoughts on Mark and Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties and Roots which can both be found in the J. C. Ryle Collection (18 vols.). He also contributed three volumes in the Crossway Classic Commentary Collection (13 vols.).
