Wise-Heart

The first of the Reformers profiled in Julia McNair Wright's collection of biographies for young people, recently republished by Master Poole Publishing as A Children's Lives of the Reformers, is George Wishart (c. 1513-1546).

She writes (p. 8) that he "has been remembered for his goodness...It is a very beautiful thing to be remembered for goodness. In those days he was called GEORGE WISE-HEART, and he had indeed a wise heart -- a heart that was wise to choose the love and service of God before anything else."

Although there is uncertainty about the origin of his surname, he was certainly called Wise-heart by contemporaries, and the name fits the man. John Knox referred to him as "that notable Instrument of God, Mr. George Wiseheart" (Historie of the Reformatioun Within the Realm of Scotland (1732), p. 65); George Buchanan called him "Doctor Sophocardius."

He lived and died boldly for Christ. Mrs. Wright takes us through the trials, adversities and adventures of a man who "dared to tell the truth" (p. 15). From how he dressed to what he preached, we learn of a man who dedicated his life to living for God no matter what the cost.

The lesson she imparts to readers young and old (p. 41) is that:

From George Wishart we can learn to fear nothing but sin, to return good for evil, and to be faithful to truth even unto death, when we shall have crown of everlasting life.

Dawning of the Reformation

On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church of Wittenburg; many mark this as the dawning of the Reformation. Master Poole Publishing is celebrating the anniversary of this important event with a special one-day sale on October 31.

Julia McNair Wright's A Children's Lives of the Reformers is on sale for $23.99 (20% off of the $29.99 retail). This collection includes biographies of Martin Luther and John Calvin. To purchase, visit http://stores.lulu.com/dildaysc.

Also, Matthew Poole's three-volume commentary on Genesis is available at a sale price of $60 (30% off of retail). Poole's Synopsis presents the very best of Reformation-era exegesis. To purchase, visit http://stores.lulu.com/dildaysc.

For October 31, 2009 only, take an additional 20% off your entire order by entering the coupon code "FALLBACK" (case-sensitive).

Mrs. Wright's Martin Luther

Over a century ago, a lady named Mrs. Julia McNair Wright published two sets of short children's biographies known as the True Story Library (this particular set was originally published in 1870). Now Master Poole Publishing is making one of those sets available again to 21st century readers. The first volume to be republished is Martin Luther, the story of the great reformer retold for young people.

As with each of these books, the story of a hero or heroine of faith is told simply and plainly with encouraging words directed to young readers. Two illustrations are included in each volume. The stories in this set include the following: 1. George Wishart; 2. John Knox; 3. Martin Luther; 4. Queen Margaret; 5. John Calvin; 6. William Farel; 7. Renee of Ferrara; 8. William Tyndale; 9. Richard Baxter; 10. John Huss; 11. Philip Melanchthon; and 12. Admiral Coligni.

Martin Luther's story is told with special emphasis on his childhood and youth, through his conversion, ministry and Reformation of the church, all the way to his last words on his deathbed.

The words written by Mrs. Wright certainly apply today as much as they did in the 19th century: "The world and the Church need a good shaking just now to wake them up to the work of the Lord, and where is the Luther strong in Jesus to do it? He may be some boy reading this book. God knows" (p. 14).

Truly, Martin Luther and the rest of this series will edify both young and old alike. My own children enjoyed reading and discussing Martin Luther's life as told by Mrs. Wright. It is a great family exercise to read these stories aloud. There is something for everyone in these precious Christian biographies that will reward all who read.