reformation500years

The greatest monument of the Reformation is J.A.Wylie’s History of Protestantism. It is like a story bible on Church History. It was originally published in the 19th century with hundreds of beautiful illustrations (which children will love to colour!).

WYLIE, J.A. - HISTORY OF PROTESTANTISM I -WYLIE - 978-1-77298-020-2 - CAD$ 64.95

WYLIE, J.A. - HISTORY OF PROTESTANTISM II -WYLIE - 978-1-77298-021-9 - CAD$ 64.95

WYLIE, J.A. - HISTORY OF PROTESTANTISM III -WYLIE - 978-1-77298-022-6 - CAD$ 64.95

The History of Protestantism is no mere history of dogmas. The teachings of Christ are the seeds; the modern Christendom, with its new life, is the good tree which has sprung from it. The author tells of the seed and also of the tree, small at first, still growing, and destined one day to cover the earth.

How that seed was deposited in the soil; how the tree grew up and flourished despite the furious tempests that warred around it; how, century after century, it lifted its top higher in heaven, and spread its boughs wider around, sheltering liberty, nursing letters, fostering art, and gathering a fraternity of prosperous and powerful nations around it. The author writes that the History of Protestantism is the record of one of the grandest dramas of all time.

It is true, no doubt, that Protestantism, strictly viewed, is simply a principle. It is not a policy. It is not an empire, having its fleets and armies, its officers and tribunals, wherewith to extend its dominion and make its authority be obeyed. It is not even a Church with its hierarchies, and synods and edicts; it is simply a principle. But it is the greatest of all principles. It is a creative power. Its plastic influence is all-embracing. It penetrates into the heart and renews the individual. It goes down to the depths and, by its omnipotent but noiseless energy, vivifies and regenerates society. It thus becomes the creator of all that is true, and lovely, and great; the founder of free kingdoms, and the mother of faithful churches. The globe itself it claims as a stage not too wide for the manifestation of its beneficent action; and the whole domain of terrestrial affairs it deems a sphere not too vast to fill with its spirit, and rule by its law.

This is a book that fathers (and mothers) will love to read to their children for at least three reasons:

Christine Farenhorst in Christian Renewal: Christians often tend to look on the Reformation as the pivotal turning point in history during which the Protestants took off the chains of Rome. This small work of fiction draws back the curtains of history a bit further than Luther's theses. Wycliffe was the morning star of the Reformation and his band of Lollards a band of faithful men who were persecuted because they spoke out against salvation by works. Hubert Ellerdale was such a man and his life (youth, marriage, and death), albeit fiction, is set parallel to Wycliffe's and Purvey's.

Rhind writes with pathos and the reader can readily identify with his lead characters. This novel deserves a well-dusted place in a home, school, or church library.

A gripping story filled with accurate historical facts about John Huss and the Hussite wars. Hardly any historical novel can be more captivating and edifying than this book. Even if Deborah Alcock was not the greatest of nineteenth century authors, certainly she is our most favourite.

Raymond felt the force of the last argument. Besides, he could not contend the point; his schoolfellow had him in his power. A little water from the crystal flask that lay on the table, a fine white kerchief from the looms of Cambray, and a pair of gentle, firm, skilful hands soon accomplished the task. Theodore’s words sometimes missed their aim, and hurt where they meant to heal, his fingers never. Their very form — long, slender, sensitive — evidenced at once fineness of perception and exquisite dexterity.

Meanwhile the schoolfellows talked of the unfair and dastardly conduct of the Nicoloti, and formed plans of revenge. What they said was commonplace enough, but they speedily established a friendly understanding with each other.

"I had not known you were destined to be a physician," said Raymond. "Is not that to sacrifice your genius and your learning?"

A wonderfully warm and loving book about the beauty of Protestantism. This topic, too often neglected and forgotten, has been revived by the author in a delightful way. Glimpses of our Protestant history are strewn in our path like jewels, whetting our appetite to read on and discover the depth of our history. Too often our role models tend to be found outside of our Christian heritage "to the neglect of the great cloud of witnesses, the magnificent roll of saints, heroes, and martyrs that belong to us as Protestants." This book is not only for adults. Young people and even older children will find riches in its depth which will encourage and build up to carry on the work of God in our own day and age.

David Stratton stood long at the lancet window — how long he never knew. Strange new thoughts filled his mind, and for the first time for weeks even the Prior of St. Andrews and the Vicar of Ecclescreig were forgotten. For he did not, as might be imagined, amuse and gratify himself by applying the fiery denunciations he had just heard to these his personal enemies. They had indeed impressed and delighted him at the time; but what he afterwards heard almost swept them from his memory. Unaccustomed to abstract thought, though full of practical shrewdness, a mere exposition of doctrine would perhaps hardly have left a clearer impression on him, when delivered in his native tongue, than if it had been couched in Latin; but his mind was quick to grasp and strong to retain the circumstances of a story. Nor did he only retain them passively: he was accustomed to reflect, after a fashion, upon his own doings and those of other men; and to his imagination, the blind man of the gospel was as real, and not more distant, than if he had lived or was living then in Edinburgh or St. Andrews.

So passed the men of Dundee, in the summer months of that terrible year, step by step from vague apprehension to vivid, actual terror; as the pestilence that walketh in darkness first struck down one, and another, and another; then gradually multiplied its victims until the voice of lamentation filled the city, and no man felt his own life safe from the destroyer for a single hour.

Not very long after the first appearance of the pestilence, Archie Duncan came back one morning in high glee from the grammar-school, to which he had been despatched by the careful Janet only half an hour before.

"Nae mair schule," he cried, flinging his book on the table; "maister’s awa’, for fear o’ the sickness; — and may guid gang wi’ him!"

The publishing of this book is a direct fruit of the reading and publishing of Under Calvin's Spell by Deborah Alcock which is a great novel and gives a very good description of life in and around Geneva. However it tells little about Calvin himself. As a result I read Penning's book and was quickly convinced that both books should be published as companion editions, Alcock's book being the introduction and Penning's book the "full" story. Also today the world needs to know it's most important historical facts and since upon the mouth of two witnesses the truth of a matter is to be established we send out in these two books the true story of John Calvin.

Calvin is perhaps the most important person who lived after Biblical times (seconded by Martin Luther, William of Orange, Michael de Ruyter, and William III of Orange). To know and understand how the Lord has used these people in the history of His Church and world will stir in any reader the desire to follow them in their footsteps. Roelof A. Janssen

They had now reached the Forte Neuve, by which they entered the town, with many others who were returning from the Plain-palais. As they walked along the Corratorie they met Berthelier and Gabrielle, taking the air, as the afternoon was very fine for the season of the year. Both the lads saluted; De Marsac with a flush and a beaming smile.

"Oh yes; did I not tell you I was going to see them? Master Berthelier's sister, Damoiselle Claudine, and I are fast friends. Some years ago when I came here first, a mere child, I was one day in the market, looking about me and buying cherries or the like, when I saw this poor damoiselle being frightened half out of her senses by a group of angry, scolding fish-women. That was before such good order was put in the market, and in all the town, thanks to Master Calvin. She had told them, quite truly, that they were trying to cheat her. I fought her battle with all my might, which in truth was not great, and at last brought her home in triumph. She was much more grateful than the occasion required, and has been my very good friend ever since. I — they — they are all good to me, though lately, being much occupied with my studies, I have seen them but seldom."

"I thought her your sister — but no matter. It makes no difference. You will take my message all the same. Have a care of the lantern, Boy; you will let it fall. Look! The light is out. Well, no harm is done; we will soon be at the clearing now, and in full daylight. I was saying — if you love me, Will, and that I am sure you do — say to Maria that the word we spoke to one another lies ever between us, and God heard it."

He felt as if a great stone had fallen on him and crushed him. In his pain he said a thing which perhaps, under all the circumstances, was not wise or generous.

"He could not die thus for his faith. On the contrary, it cost him but little to conceal it. What, then, had they which he had not? Something that enabled even poor, wild, passionate Gonsalvo to forgive and pray for the murderers of the woman he loved. What was it?"

"You have forgotten that you should confess Christ’s Name; and do you not remember, O deluded people, that whoever confesses not Christ upon earth, shall be denied by Him before His Father and the holy angels? Certainly you are not alone in this backsliding. There may be some in our valleys of the Alps who carry with them certificates that they are genuine papists, and have their children baptized by priests with all the mummeries of superstition, yes, and go to the so-called sacrifice of the mass, openly bowing the knee to Baal, that they may be seen of men; and they excuse themselves — verily a fancied excuse! — by saying secretly when they enter the mass house, ‘Cave of robbers, may God confound you!’ I have heard that similar practices extend even here. My brothers, such duplicity is intolerable to the righteous Lord. Do you think that He will not protect the men who range themselves under His banner against Antichrist, in the face of all the world? I tell you, that if all the devils on earth and in hell were leagued to destroy you, mightier is He that is for you than all that can be against you! Your Father can sheath the sword and quench the faggot of the persecutor, if it is His will; and if it is not His will — O servants of Christ! Will there not be a quicker entrance into the joy of your Lord, and a more dazzling crown of glory!"

Sobs and moans came from that excitable southern audience; glowing eyes, betokening glowing hearts, met the youthful preacher’s every look.

The true story of seventeen-year-old Lady Jane Grey, Queen of England for nine days.

"Miss Meroff . . . has fictionalized the story of Lady Jane Grey in a thoroughly absorbing manner . . . she has succeeded in making me believe this is what really happened. I kept wanting to read on the book is full of action and interest."

Doctor Adrian was a scholar living in quiet seclusion in Antwerp, the Netherlands, until a fugitive Protestant preacher and his daughter Rose sought sanctuary in his rooms. Before he knew it, he became involved with the Protestant cause, and eventually embraced it in theory. When the persecution of the Reformed was stepped up, Doctor Adrian made the dangerous journey to Leyden with his family. They survived the siege of Leyden, along with Adrian's sister Marie. When the siege was lifted by the fleets of William of Orange, they moved to Utrecht. Doctor Adrian's faith in the Reformed religion died when he experienced the loss of some of his loved ones, but a new faith in the Author of that religion took its place.

This is a tale of a doctor and his contact with William, Prince of Orange, and of his spiritual journey.

Near the seat she had chosen, beside the window, were the two things that she loved best in the world, and would have found the greatest difficulty in doing without. There stood her embroidery-frame, with a very elaborate piece of work half- finished upon it. During the last few days, this work had necessarily given place to the higher duty of loving ministrations to the dying. But she was bound to complete it within a certain time, and therefore gladly took advantage of the first available moment to return to it. Something else, much more truly and deeply loved, lay on a small table near. It was a moderate-sized book, strongly bound in dark brown leather. Had you opened it, you would have found the Old and New Testaments in the French tongue, and matter enough besides, compressed into a narrow space, to have furnished a small but very useful theological library. There were references, indices, tables of contents, historical summaries.

Pastor Sten Nilson, a tall, noble-looking man, stood up to welcome his brother, with a smile on his lips and a glad light in his frank blue eyes. But the next moment he drew back disappointed, and even a little annoyed; for "mine host" was ushering in a stranger, an elderly man in a fur coat, holding by the hand a little boy about seven . . .

Surprised at the question from so young a child, the Pastor answered, "It is the Red Book, my son."

The boy looked up indignantly, all his shyness gone. " ’Tis not red," he said, " ’tis brown, nearly black. I thought pastors always spoke the truth."

"It is not quite the end," José answered. "The Auqui came in triumph to the place where his father was. Then the old Inca took from his head the llautu — the sacred crimson fringe — and the black and white wing-feathers of the coraquenque, and he put them on the head of the brave young Auqui; and he bade his captains bear him aloft in the golden chair, and salute him as mighty Inca, Child of the Sun, Friend of the Poor. From then on the Auqui reigned gloriously. He took to himself the name of the bright spirit that appeared to him on the plains of Chita — Viracocha, ‘foam of the sea.’ He built a beautiful temple in his honour. The work was long, and took many years to finish; but he saw it finished, for he reigned until his hair was white as the snow of the Andes."

The Story of the Netherland War from the Death of William the Silent to its Close 1584-1648

The period during which Maurits of Nassau was the leader of the Netherland people is one which claims attention, not only on account of its exciting and memorable events, but even more because of its intimate connection with the subsequent history of England and of America. The writer has aimed to tell the story so that it shall be neither too long to be easily read, nor so condensed as to seem dry.

Among the works most consulted have been those of Motley, Davies, and Grattan, together with Rogers’ "Story of Holland" and Markham’s "The Fighting Veres." Some original authorities also have been used, particularly Meteren’s "History of the Low Countries," and "Les Lauriers de Nassau," by Orlers and Haestens, a very rare book published at Leyden in 1612, which narrates the victories won while Prince Maurits was commander-in-chief. It is illustrated with many careful representations of battles and sieges, and gives an excellent portrait of the prince, which is reproduced here.

Once again Deborah Alcock has delicately woven together an accurate historical novel. This book gives wonderful insights into some of the events surrounding the thirty-years-war in which Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden gives his life for the Protestant cause. But even amidst the ravages of war life continues to weave its story of intrigue, romance, loyalty, and treason.

Two motherless children, Jeanie and Hugh, have been in the care of their Uncle Charlie ever since their father left about eight years earlier to fight for the Protestant cause. Uncle Charlie, a restless bachelor, subsequently leaves the bulk of Jeanie and Hugh’s upbringing to the Presbyterian minister. He faithfully teaches these orphaned children the beautiful tenets of the Reformed faith. But when Uncle Charlie decides to leave his beloved Scotland to join the army of Gustavus Adolphus in Germany, Hugh wants to go along. Jeanie will go along as companion to Captain Stuart’s wife and meets Fraulein Gertrud von Savelburg in Germany. Sifting through the reports and rumours of the times she comes to some disturbing and perplexing conclusions. What has made Uncle Charlie so sad, and why does a Roman Catholic priest regularly visit Hugh? And then there is Jonker August von Lübeling, a page of Gustavus Adolphus, who alone knows the true reports of the King’s last hours. He promises Jeanie a Nuremberg egg, but not understanding German ways she misconstrues the meaning of this promise. Will she accept his precious gift?

Luther’s marriage raised a great hue and cry. The union of a renegade monk with an escaped nun, violating as it did their own personal vows, and ecclesiastical and civil law as well, seemed to many to throw a sinister light upon the whole reform movement. Now, they declared, the significance of the Reformation was revealed to all the world, and it was clear what Luther had had in mind from the beginning. Satirical attacks appeared in great numbers. Slanderous tales were spread about him and his bride. Even many of his friends were thrown into consternation, and feared he had dealt a death-blow to the cause.

Hours and hours Fritz and I spoke of Dr. Luther and what he had done for us both — more, perhaps, for Fritz than even for me, because he had suffered more. It seems to me as if we, and thousands besides in the world, had been worshipping before an altar picture of our Saviour, which we had been told was painted by a great master after a heavenly pattern. But all we could see was a grim, hard, stern countenance of one sitting on a judgment throne . . . Then suddenly we heard Dr. Luther’s voice behind us, saying, in his ringing tones — "Friends, what are you doing? That is not the right painting. These are only the boards that hide the master’s picture."

You may also place a telephone order (780-674-3949) of 6 or more individual copies of the Reformation Trail series and save 15%

Five New Books in the Huguenot Inheritance Series:

15% discount if you buy the complete set. If you own some of the books you are entitled to all the others at 15% discount. Please call us at 780-674-3949.

Huguenot Inheritance Series

N.B. Vol. 1, 2, and 4 are ideal for 11-99 year olds while the other volumes are better for about 14 and up.

15% discount if you buy the complete set. If you own some of the books you are entitled to all the others at 15% discount. Please call us at 780-674-3949.

To order all 14 books please click on the link below.

(Place order for Huguenot Inheritance Series set of 14 and save 15%)

SET OF 14 HUGUENOT INHER - by ALCOCK, DEBORAH and others)

CAD$181.04

The Escape by A. Van der Jagt

The Adventures of Three Huguenot Children

Fleeing Persecution

Huguenot Inheritance Series #1

F. Pronk in The Messenger: This book . . . will hold its readers spellbound from beginning to end. The setting is late seventeenth century France. Early in the story the mother dies and the father is banished to be a galley slave for life on a war ship. Yet in spite of threats and punishment, sixteen-year-old John and his ten-year-old sister Manette, refuse to give up the faith they have been taught.

Time: 1685-1695 Age: 12-99

ISBN 0-921100-04-3

CAD$ 13.95

The Secret Mission

by A. Van der Jagt

A Huguenot's Dangerous Adventures

in the Land of Persecution

Huguenot Inheritance Series #2

In the sequel to our best-seller, The Escape, John returns to France with a secret mission of the Dutch Government. At the same time he attempts to find his father.

Time: 1702-1712 Age: 12-99

ISBN 0-921100-18-3

CAD$ 17.95

How They Kept The Faith by Grace Raymond

A Tale of the Huguenots of Languedoc

Huguenot Inheritance Series #3

Christine Farenhorst in Christian Renewal: Presenting a moving account of the weals and woes of two Huguenot families during the heavy waves of persecution in seventeenth century France, this book, although its onset is a bit slow, is fascinating and moving reading. Covering all aspects of Huguenot life during this difficult time period, this goodsized paperback volume is a well-spring of encouragement for Christians today and highly recommended as reading for all those age twelve and over.

Time: 1676-1686 Age: 13-99

ISBN 0-921100-64-7

CAD$ 19.95

The Young Huguenots by Edith S. Floyer

Huguenot Inheritance Series #4

It was a happy life at the pretty chateau. Even after that dreadful Sunday evening, when strange men came down and shut the people out of the church, not much changed for the four children. Until the soldiers came . . .

Time: 1686-1687 Age: 11-99

ISBN 0-921100-65-5

CAD$ 12.95

Driven into Exile

by Charlotte Maria Tucker

A Story of the Huguenots

Huguenot Inheritance Series #5

Christine Farenhorst in Christian Renewal: "Set in the days following the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes, (an edict in effect from 1598-1685 providing religious freedom for the French Protestants), this story follows the lives of two Huguenot families. Losing all to remain constant, the La Force family flees to Britain, while the Duval family remains in France. Suspenseful, the unfolding panorama of persecution and intrigue is well-suited for twenty-first century church goers who take freedom of religion for granted."

Time: 1685-1695 Age: 13-99

ISBN 0-921100-66-3

CAD$ 9.95

The Refugees by A. Conan Doyle

A Tale of Two Continents

Huguenot Inheritance Series #6

The Refugees is a fast-paced exciting historical novel filled with daring and adventure. It depicts the escape of Louis De Catinat and his cousin from France after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. Fleeing aboard a merchant vessel they attempt to reach America but find themselves stranded on an iceberg. The result is a hazardous trek through Canadian forests, avoiding both Roman Catholic Frenchmen and savage Indians.

Follow the adventures of well to do people, bereft of all convenience and fleeing for their lives to seek refuge in a country where freedom of religion returns stability to their lives.

Time: 1685-1686 Age: 12-99

ISBN 0-921100-67-1

CAD$ 19.95

Done and Dared in Old France by Deborah Alcock

Huguenot Inheritance Series #7

Christine Farenhorst wrote in Christian Renewal: Ten-year-old Gaspard, accidentally separated from his parents, is raised by a group of outlaw salt runners who fear neither God nor man. . . . Through the providence of God, Gaspard's heart turns to Him in faith and after a series of adventures is able to flee France to the safer Protestant shores of England. Fine and absorbing reading. Deborah Alcock has wonderful vocabulary, is a marvelous story-teller, and brings out the amazing hand of God's almighty power in every chapter. Highly recommended.

Time: 1685-1697 Age: 11-99

ISBN 1-894666-03-8

CAD$ 17.95

A Loyal Huguenot Maid

by Margaret S. Comrie

Huguenot Inheritance Series #8

Azerole, a young fugitive, was serving at Castle Brianza at Piedmont as governess to Madame de Rohan’s crippled and plaintive foster son Christophe. But Azerole was a Huguenot maid, and Castle Brianza was ardently Roman Catholic. Madame’s son Gaston, who was serving in the French army, was said to be a fiery Roman Catholic and tolerated no Protestants. What would happen to Azerole when he came home?

Azerole and her brother Léon struggle amid many troubles to keep their faith alive. When Michel unexpectedly comes on the scene a new unforseen danger lurks in the shadows. Would these two young Huguenots remain safe under the roof and shadow of Castle Brianza?

Time: 1686-1690 Age: 12-99

ISBN 9780921100683

CAD$ 17.95

The Baron of Salgas A True Huguenot Story by Sabine Malplach

and: The Cross and the Crown & The Carpenter of Nîmes

Two Huguenot Stories by Deborah Alcock

Huguenot Inheritance Series #9

The Cross and the Crown tells about a man by the name of Gabriel Vaur. After the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes (1685), life once again became very dangerous for the Huguenots in France. When the Dragonnades came, Gabriel tried to get help, leaving his father, sister, and brother behind. Would he ever see them again? Would he ever be able to flee France and reach England?

The Baron of Salgas is the true story of the Baron and Baroness de Salgas. Even though her husband forbids her to be an open Huguenot, the Baroness knows that her Saviour had said that whoever would deny Him would be denied by Him. So one night she made her escape to Geneva. Would her husband follow? Would he recant? What would happen to their sons who were taken to the convents?

The Carpenter of Nîmes goes back more than a century to the year 1569 and tells about a man named Jacques Maderon. When the pastor tells him that Christ had said, "Son, go work today in My vineyard," he knows it is time to do something. Then the father of his friend was imprisoned. Would he succeed to cut the bars of the gate and so make way for the Huguenots to enter the city and deliver it?

Time: 1568-1715 Age: 13-99

ISBN 978-0-921100-69-0

CAD$ 14.95

The Well in the Orchard by Deborah Alcock

A Story of France in the 18th Century

Huguenot Inheritance Series #10

"Father!" Eugène burst forth, unable to withhold his tidings. "Father, the king is dead! The wicked rebels in Paris have slain him, slain him on the scaffold. Think of that! The king, the Lord’s anointed, Louis of France!"

A flush overspread the old man’s face, a tremor passed through his frame. Had he been able, he would have sprung from his seat, but he could not; one of his lower limbs was paralysed. So he lifted up his white and trembling hands to heaven, and said with deep feeling, — "God is just. His holy will be done."

Eugène was amazed. This way of taking a hideous crime, a terrible calamity, seemed to him incomprehensible. But then, as he reminded himself, his father was not quite like other people. However, he could not help saying, —

"I think it looks much more like the devil’s will, my father."

Time: 1789-1815 Age: 13-99

ISBN 978-1-77298-014-1

CAD$ 11.95

The Friends of Pascal by Deborah Alcock

or, The Children of Port Royal

Huguenot Inheritance Series #11

Geneviève looked up quickly. "Then you think I ought to take the veil?" In truth it is from among the young hearts that bleed and suffer, like Geneviève’s, that convents gain their best and most willing recruits. "Willingly, most willingly. But not until Mademoiselle has need of me no longer."

"My need must yield to higher claims. And I own that it would be a joy to me to give back to God the best and dearest gift He has given me in these sad later years. But we will do nothing rashly or in haste. Meanwhile believe me, dear child, that I can feel for thy sorrow. Renunciation, however clearly we may see the duty of it, can never be anything but pain, bitter pain. Yet it is in such pain that Christ draws near to us, and gives us the foretaste of His joy."

"I know it, Mademoiselle," whispered the pale lips of Geneviève. "And now go and pray for thyself and for me. I also will pray for thee. Kiss me, dear child. So — once more — lip to lip and heart to heart. God bless thee! God make thee in very truth the saint I dreamed of being, but am not, and shall never be."

Time: 1650--1670 Age: 13-99

ISBN 978-1-894666-15-2 CAD$25.95

In the Desert by Deborah Alcock

A Story of the Church under the Cross

Huguenot Inheritance Series #12

IN the pages of this book fiction has only been employed for the purpose of illustrating fact. All that has been told of the sufferings, the faith, and the patience of the Church in the Desert — or, as her children loved to call her, "The Church under the Cross" — is true, and within the truth. Especially the character and the history of Majal-Désubas owes nothing to the pencil of fancy. It is a portrait, carefully drawn from contemporary sources, from the memoirs, narratives, and popular songs, in which grateful hearts have embalmed a beloved and fragrant memory.

Time: 1745-1760 Age: 16-99

ISBN 978-1-894666-13-8

CAD$ 17.95

In the City by Deborah Alcock

A Story of Old Paris

Huguenot Inheritance Series #13

The narrative here presented is offered to the reader as a picture of a state of society which has passed away for ever. It aims at reflecting the men and women of the "old régime" as they acted, thought, and suffered; especially taking note of those who, in that age of infidelity and corruption, yet lived and walked "as seeing Him who is invisible."

Time: 1760s Age: 16-99

ISBN 978-1-894666-12-1

CAD$ 17.95

Must I Give Him Up by Deborah Alcock

A Story of France in the 18th Century

Huguenot Inheritance Series #14

Among those who could not get away was an aged man, who had almost fulfilled his fourscore years of life. Him the soldiers took, and were leading him away to prison. His son, who was in another part of the Assembly, knew nothing of it until, having reached a place of safety, he sought everywhere for his father, and could not find him. His young active feet soon retraced their steps. He met the soldiers with their captive on their way to the town. Madly Fabre threw himself into their midst, and made a wild despairing effort to tear their prisoner from their grasp. Vain — vain of course! What could one man, alone and unarmed, do against a band?

Time: 1760s Age: 12-99

ISBN 978-1-77298-005-9

CAD$ 11.95

The trembling little captives soon found themselves in the presence of the barbarian king. He sat on a raised seat, or throne, conspicuous among the dusky crowd that surrounded him by the rich adornments of his dress, and the staff, or sceptre, which he held in his hand.

On a sultry summer’s day, in the twelfth century, a little girl stood at a street door in one of the close, narrow alleys of a Flemish town. Her dress indicated poverty, though not neglect. Other children were playing near; she heard their voices, and looked at them for a few moments with curiosity and interest in her large blue eyes, but apparently with no wish to join their sports. Far more earnestly did she gaze to the right, where the long alley terminated in a broader street, from which a stream of intensely vivid sunlight poured, illuminating a corner of the shaded alley, with the Madonna in her niche, as well as the quaint carvings that adorned the house of rich Master Andreas the weaver. What would little Arlette have given to see one figure that she knew turn from the sunshine into the shadow!

"Indeed?" said the old man, his face lighting up with sympathy and interest. "We have heard of the people who are called Brethren of the Unity, or United Brethren, and we own them as brethren indeed, in Christ Jesus our Lord — whose Gospel they knew and honoured, and whom they served and died for, many years before the voice of Dr. Martin Luther was heard in this Saxon land of ours."

"And we also," Wenzel responded, "we honour the name of your great teacher, Dr. Luther, whom God raised up to show His pure Evangel to the people of Germany, even as, one hundred years before, He sent us our dear and venerated Master John Huss. That is why I am going now to Wittenberg, to pursue my studies there."

When I reached home from afternoon school, I went up to a little upper chamber which Wilma and I had as our own, and there I found my sister — who was at the time a fair young maiden of thirteen — busy with her needle.

"Well, Sister," said I, "so we are to have another of these good gentlemen tonight."

"I have not seen him, for he is closeted with our father in his private chamber."

"Yes, I think so. Elspeth will keep a careful watch, and there is the door behind the tapestry, you know, in case of a surprise."

But a thought, sent as she believed from Heaven into her heart, inspired Lisa with sudden hope and courage. She seized her husband by the arm, and drew him toward the little closet, the door of which she had left open.

"Josef . . . the servant, ye know," said Jeannot, "told us how the soldiers of Captain Brunaulieu’s corps, as they came to a halt outside the town, found amongst them a boy who was evidently a Genevan. They seized him, and brought him to the Captain. He said he was an Englishman, which, I suppose, is another kind of heretic . . . oh, I crave pardon of your Worthinesses . . ."

"The Captain would have had him run through at once. But the holy Friar who was with them — Friar Alexander the Scotchman, they called him — bade spare him, as he might be of use in the town for a guide. ’Twas just then that Josef, who told us the tale, came up, being sent on a message . . ."

"My lord, I am your sister’s son but not your vassal," the youth replied with perhaps unnecessary pride. "But that is not the question," he added sadly and in a gentler tone. "You counsel me — no, you command me," and he bowed his head slightly at the word, "to submit myself unreservedly to our Holy Father the Pope, in the person of his Legate."

"I do, as you do value life and lands. If your retainers had not infected you with their heresy, why should you hesitate?"

"I — the son of Roger Taillefer — a heretic! None of our race were ever that, thank Heaven. But can the Count ask why I hesitate? Not that I fear the disgrace of a public penance, though I think they might have spared it to the greatest seigneur who speaks the ‘Langue d’Oc’, and altogether such a submissive and obedient Roman Catholic."

"If we only had something better for the little one," Ivan added, in a lower tone. "He can’t eat that."

"Don’t fret, Father," said Michael, a good-humoured lad on the whole. "I’ll ask Master to give me a roll for him at dinner-time, and besides, there’s Peter —" (the brother next in age, who had just got a place as one of the boy-postillions the wealthy Russians were so fond of having) — "Peter may come and see us, and bring us a kopeck or two for him."

This was scarcely as bad as she expected, yet quite bad enough. She flushed hotly. "Uncle has not said anything to you, has he?" she asked.

"Never once. Kate, Uncle Morris is a brick!" There was a wealth of genuine gratitude flung into the boyish word that redeemed it from all trace of vulgarity.

"If Father were alive, what would he say?" questioned Kate. "I think he would be horrified at the very thought."

"Well, I don’t know," mused Archie, thrusting his hands into his pockets. "After all, the horrible thing is eating the shop — I mean the bread that’s made in it. And since I do that already, and can’t help myself, I think it would not make things any worse to earn it before I eat it."

"Well, Master Jailer, how goes it? Have you heard anything?" asked the young man in an eager whisper.

The jailer laid his hand compassionately on his shoulder. "Heavy tidings for thee, poor lad," he said. "He will likely die."

The answer was a deep groan, heard distinctly through all the uproar of the crowded room. Then silence; then a broken murmur, "Poor Maida — poor baby!" choked by something very like the suppressed sob of a strong man.

After a brief though brilliant career (in which he rendered important political services to the cause of Protestantism), Maurice was killed in the battle of Sievershausen, in his thirty-second year. He had enjoyed his electorate about five years. His brother succeeded him, for his only son had died before him. One little daughter, Anna, survived him. She was afterward married, with great pomp and show, to the celebrated William the Silent, Prince of Orange.

Henri sprang to the door, and hastily unbarred it. A young man, whose fur coat was covered with snow, entered immediately, bringing a current of cold air and a stream of water into the comfortable room.

"You here, Christophe!" cried the pastor, recognizing a member of his flock who lived at a considerable distance. "What errand has brought you so far on such a night?"

"An ill one, Barbe," said the young man. "My poor mother — God help her! — lies since morning speechless, and as far as I can see, at the point of death."

It must be remembered that the barbe was by his calling a physician for the body as well as for the soul. It was not necessary, therefore, for the young peasant even to express a desire that he should accompany him. Without a moment’s delay he rose to prepare for the expedition. It was a difficult, toilsome, and even dangerous one. A walk of seven miles at night, and in a snow-storm . . .

“It sure feels good,” said Arnold, “driving an old car to start my first campaign. That’s how many politicians have done it.”“Indeed,” said Ronald, thinking of a story about the well-known preacher, Robert Schuller of Crystal Cathedral in California. Apparently, Rev. Schuller and his wife had begun their ministry, travelling in an old Volkswagenbus. They would park it at a street corner and he preached from the roof of the bus. Rev. Schuller was not known for orthodoxy, but his humble beginnings were certainly worthy of admiration. “So this is your first campaign trip?”“Yes, apart from going door to door. I have signed up more than two hundred people locally. But several hundred more will be needed in order to win the nomination. Tony Van Pater said that if he had had three hundred more supporters, he would have won his nomination.”

The Dort Study Bible

An English translation of the Annotations to the Dutch Staten Bijbel of 1637 in accordance with a decree of the Synod of Dort 1618-1619

Vol. 1 Genesis and Exodus ISBN 1-894666-51-8

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Vol. 2 Leviticus - Deuteronomy ISBN 1-894666-52-6

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Vol. 3 Joshua - 2 Samuel ISBN 1-894666-53-4

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Vol. 4 1 Kings-1 Chronicles ISBN 978-1-89466654-1

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Vol. 5 2 Chronicles - Job ISBN 978-1-894666-55-8

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Order the set of 5 from Genesis to Job for $100.00

and receive the next volumes also at $20.00 each

CAD$100.00

Rev. Jerome Julien in The Outlook: This is a wonderful addition to a home, church, school, or minister's library . . . Originally, these notes were commissioned by the Great Synod of Dort, 1618-1619, along with the Staten Bijbel, a completely new translation of Scripture. In a very real sense, this is probably the earliest study Bible ever produced. We might say of it that it is a short commentary on the Bible.

This volume, the first of what is planned, D.V., to be a republication of the whole set of annotations, contains an historical sketch — written most likely by Theodore Haak, and other documents from the 1637 Dutch edition. There is also an account of a gold coin produced by the States General of the United Netherlands commemorating the Synod. This coin is also stamped in gold on the front and back covers. (It must be added that the binding is beautiful!) Inside the front and back covers are reprinted the title pages of the Dutch Staten Bijbel and the English translation by Haak, dated 1657.

The notes are preceded by an introduction to each Bible book, and a summary at the head of each chapter. While the notes on Genesis are much more detailed due to the nature of the content, many insights are found on all the pages. These notes might not be what you would read in a commentary published today, but they give concise explanations of the verses. Regularly, they give cross references to other Biblical passages which shed further light on what God says in the text. Also, these notes give a historic-redemptive understanding of the Bible history. Ministers, as well as Bible students, will find helpful information here, as well as ideas to develop.

For those who might be interested, the position on creation days is "that night and day . . . made up one natural day together . . . comprehending twenty-four hours" (see Genesis 1:5). Further, the Book of Genesis lays open God's "everlasting covenant." The note on Genesis 17:7 states that it is "Everlasting for all believers in Christ . . ." This subject is discussed at great length in the appropriate places.

Of what value is this new, but very old set of notes? Some scholars might look with disdain on a republication of these notes. Yet, historically they have value because we can read in English what our fathers at Dort taught and believed concerning Biblical teachings other than those well explained in the Canons of Dort. It is foolhardy to cut ourselves off from our heritage, as so many wish to do today. Now, what has been readily available in the Dutch language for the last 350 years, is in a newly translated and typeset English edition for our reading and spiritual benefit.

Further, this volume has a practical value. For those who still attend church society meetings, or for those involved in Bible studies, here is a concise and helpful Reformed commentary. Its format allows it to be on the table with our Bibles, Psalters, and notes.

This is an ambitious project which Inheritance has undertaken. We must be grateful for their dedicated work. It is the hope of this reviewer that the day will come, beginning now, when this set will not only be displayed in many, many homes, but also well worn through use. In this day of seemingly shrinking interest in the Reformed Faith we and our children must be grounded in God's Truth!

In a time of much confusion and debate about reliable manuscripts of God's Word, as well as the proper place of God's Church, Covenant, and the Christ-centeredness of the whole Bible, there is an urgent need to reach back to one of the best and possibly only ecclesiastical translation of the Bible ever made. Even though the States General of the United Netherlands authorized this translation, it did so upon a decree of the famous Synod of Dort (1618-1619). The high value of this translation and its annotations — also written by the translators, who were among the best theologians of the early seventeenth century — is evident in the example below. The translators were not bothered by publishers who wanted to have as big a market as possible and so make compromises to avoid controversies as is the case so much today but seriously looked at what God revealed in His Word and stuck faithfully to the text. Their humbleness in often not being sure of what the text really means is evident throughout the annotations, nevertheless they have given a faithful translation of these texts. There is no better tool for the unity of God's church today then abiding by a reliable Bible translation and explanation. Since this English translation is not a direct translation of the original texts, it would not be suitable as a current ecclesiastical translation, but nevertheless it may be one of the best tools to come to a new ecclesiastical translation. In the meantime it is a number one tool for personal and group Bible study for those who cannot read the original languages.

Roelof A. Janssen, editor and publisher.

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