Faith Cook

I regret that I couldn't finish this. I just found myself losing interest after about two thirds and getting bogged down in the detail. William Grimshaw was no doubt a remarkable man of God in his day and perhaps should have received similar recognition as the likes of Whitefield and the Wesley's. Indeed, he crossed path with these names on a regular basis and swapped pulpits with some of them. However, I'm sure Grimshaw would not have cared that his name was somewhat in the background as he was clearly working for an audience of One.

This biography is perfect for a student of the history of the period or for an in depth study of the man himself. But, the writing is factual rather than inspirational and the author has probably included every single detail she could possibly find about Grimshaw. I congratulate her for the exhaustive research but I really would have preferred more of a story.

I would still recommend this for those with an interest, but it just wasn't for me.… (meer)

Peer pressure is very hard to resist. So many are affected by the views and values of their social circle and largely conform to what others think, say and do, as well as to what they eat and wear. But this is not new. While the Bible does not speak of peer groups and the pressure they exert, it does point to the course of this world and warns Christian believers not to be conformed to its thought patterns or to the ignorance of God which they betray. But the Scriptures do more. They give us examples of those who have, by the grace of God, lived and died in faith, saying to us, Whose faith follow. Faith Cook's abililty to write biographical studies according to this biblical pattern is now well known. Her earlier books Singing in the Fire, Grace in Winter, Samuel Rutherford and His Friends and the full-length biography William Grimshaw of Haworth have been widely appreciated. The studies in Singing in the Fire struck the note of perseverance under trial. Now Sound of Trumpets strikes the note of triumph.… (meer)

Faith Cook has drawn on unpublished and little-known sources to produce this comprehensive new biography of the man of whom John Wesley said, 'A few such as him would make a nation tremble. He carries fire wherever he goes'. John MacArthur, of Grace to You ministries, writes: 'Grimshaw's unflagging energy and vigorous defence of the faith was matched by a charitable spirit that was a model of true Christlikeness . . . a surprising measure of what he said and wrote is germane to the times in which we live. This is a welcome addition to the rich treasure trove already available from the Banner of Truth. It is also a classic example of what a good biography ought to be.'… (meer)

Deeply admired by such contemporaries as King George III, Henry Venn and George Whitefield (who described her as all in a flame for Jesus)Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon left an indelible mark on the Evangelical Awakening of the Eighteenth Century. Closely involved for nearly forty years with the leaders of the revival, she gave herself unstintingly to the cause of Christ, contributing sacrificially to the construction of sixty-four chapels, the opening of many more, and the founding of Trevecca College in Wales. Drawing on unpublished sources, Faith Cook gives a deeper and truer-to-life portrait than any previously available. She introduces the reader to a gallery of eighteenth-century personalities, among whom the Countess secured an entrance for the gospel through the powerful preaching of such men as George Whitefield, William Romaine and John Fletcher. This major new biography not only rescues the Countess from undeserved obscurity and misrepresentation, but also shows what God can accomplish through the tireless labours of a godly woman whose heart's desire was that the dear Lamb of God, my best, my eternal, my only Friend should have all dedicated to his service and glory.… (meer)