Customer Reviews

Last Words of Saints and Sinners

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have thoroughly enjoyed this book of last words of dying people. It certainly gives believers, in this day, a hearty look at what believers went through, the persecution and martyrdom, that was brutally dispensed back then. It was very interesting to hear the dying words of unbelievers; what widespread sorrow and hopelessness existed in their final moments.

I'm a fan of history and I can tell you that some of the dates that are cited by Lockyer are way off. For example, it mentions the war with Britain in 1842 (it was 1812) and U.S. president James Buchanan taking office in 1860 (off by a few years). Since these were so obvious I'm sure that other inaccurracies exist elsewhere in the book. I certainly would take care in verifying the information first, before quoting it in public.

A special note: There's definitely an anti-Rome bias that would make it tough for some people to get through this book. Although Lockyer mentions Protestant attrocities, he reserves extra criticism for Roman Catholic ones. It's this lack of objectivity that prevents this work from being a great book, just a good one.

Whether you are a believer in God and Jesus Christ, or are still searching for what you believe, this book needs to be read by everyone! A dying declaration from anyone is considered of utmost importance whether it is who shot you or what you see as you approach the minute of death. These words are chilling when you realize that these are the last words that these people ever spoke and many are telling you what they are seeing as death overtakes tired bodies.

Even though it has gone through at least 6 printings, it is a badly thrown together hodge-podge of accounts. Most are exceedingly brief, and piled one upon another interminably, they soon become quite tedious.

Much more could have been given if much less had been aimed at. Had the book been limited to 20 or so accounts of notable believers and a similar number of unbelievers, and more details given of the individuals' lives and importance, it would have been far better. A fact compounding the disappointment is that there is no adequate documentation in the whole volume (though there are scatterings of bibiliography mentioning books he drew some accounts from, but even these are very incomplete, none giving publishers or dates).

There are a number of factual mistakes in the book as well. Lockyer argues that the apostle "James the son of Alphaeus" is the same as "James the Lord's brother" (p. 50) which is impossible. He makes Lord Byron (p. 104) and Thomas Jefferson (p. 98) Christians (both were notorious unbelievers) and Thomas Paine an American (p. 132; he was English). He says George Whitefield settled in America (p. 58; he never "settled" anywhere), and gives a clearly erroneous date regarding the life of Bunyan (p. 63; possibly a typographical error). Three erroneous dates are found on pp. 100-1: 1842 for 1812; 1860 for 1857; and February 2 for February 12. He erroneously declares that Lincoln was shot in both the back and side of the head (p. 102; back only is correct). He speaks of 15th century Puritan persecutions (p. 147), though the Puritans did not exist until the second half of the 16th century. Had Lockyer's reputation as an author depended on this volume, he would be held in very low esteem indeed.

"AS I SEE IT" Volume 1 Number 8, August, 1998 Doug Kutilek, editor and writer

Haven't read all of it, but it is pretty interesting so far. Don't spend more than 5 bucks.

Other reviewers have pointed out the inaccuracies of this book, and the bias of the author toward Catholics. I totally agree. I have never read a book where the author was so self-indulgent. The book seems to be twisted to satisfy a hatred Mr. Lockyer held against Catholics of the 16th century. He seemed to go out of his way to point out Catholics who died with less than peaceful words on their lips; if he can even be believed, while apparently every person who died in his faith was a saint. He does mention people like "Francis of Assisi" in positive terms, seeming to deliberately refuse to point out that he was both a saint and a Catholic. According to the back cover, Mr. Lockyer did "decades of ministry including pastoral work". My thought is I hope his last words weren't forgive me my sins the way I forgive others. He died in 1984, and I truly hope he has found love and forgiveness in the next world, but I had a hard time finishing the book.

Herbert Lockyer's painstaking collection of famous death bed
professions and confessions are both inspiring and disturbing.
Apparently,when death is approching both saints and sinners
alike will reveal their true thoughts and beliefs. Hats
off to yet another Herbert Lockyer best seller. (If not it
should be). Read this book if you are a Christian and see
what self examination will bring. If you are not a believer
by alls means read it anyway.

Herbert Lockyer's painstaking collection of famous death bed
professions and confessions are both inspiring and disturbing.
Apparently,when death is approching both saints and sinners
alike will reveal their true thoughts and beliefs. Hats
off to yet another Herbert Lockyer best seller. (If not it
should be). Read this book if you are a Christian and see
what self examination will bring. If you are not a believer
by alls means read it anyway.