John Hooper, Rowland Taylor, Hugh Latimer, John Bradford, Nicholas Ridley - Why were these men burned at the stake?
Do Christians today share either their convictions or their faithfulness?

The modern church is tragically oblivious to the heroes that have gone before. I doubt whether few Christians could even identify basic facts about any one of the men highlighted in this biographical work: John Hooper, Rowland Tylor, Hugh Latimer, John Bradford, or Nicholas Ridley. Five English Reformers is a faith-stirring work packed with heart-rending testimonies about the martyrdom of saints. These brief chapters are sure to elicit an emotional response from the reader.

J.C. Ryle died in 1900. His writing style may be challenging for readers, but the payoff is definitely worth the effort. The first chapter alone provides a wonderful overview of the martyrdom of Protestant Reformers under the tyrannical reign of Queen Mary (Bloody Mary). In a world where persecution seems unthinkable in the western culture, Christians need to read this book.

If you take the time to read Five English Reformers, you will discover one of my heroes - Bishop Hugh Latimer. Old Latimer was burned next to Nicholas Ridley. He looked over at Ridley and declared, "Be of good cheer, Master Ridley, and play the man. We shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out." Play the man. How can you not love this challenge? Would that pastors and preachers would proclaim the same today!

While Five English Reformers is not without its flaws, I have given it the highest possible rating because the benefits of digesting a work of this caliber far surpass any flaws the book may have. ( )

Few martyr's words can be more stirring than those of Bishop Hugh Latimer's to Dr. Nicholas Ridley:Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, andplay the man. We shall this day light sucha candle, by God's grace, in England, as Itrust shall never be put out.But, why were such men burned at the stake? What were the great convictions in which they lived and for which they were prepared to sacrifice life itself? What made their lives and testimony to Christ's gospel so powerful? Do Christians today share either their convictions or their faithfulness?It was the increasing conviction that martyrs, though dead, can still speak to the church, which led Bishop J.C. Ryle to pen these pungent biographies of Five English Reformers last century. Along with an analysis of the reasons for their martyrdom he points out the salient characteristics of their Christian lives. Such men still prove to be examples, warnings and challenges all in one, to Christians today. Readers will rise from the company of their life-stories praying for a similar faith in Christ's power.