I knew Faith Cook to be an excellent writer of biographical materials, including her fine work on Samuel Rutherford and other Christians of valor, but this biography has changed my opinion! What's that, you say? I now consider her one of the finest Christian historians I have ever read!! Michael Haykin said she was an excellent historian, and now I believe it. For those who have not read this book, don't delay, as I did.
What this biography has done for me is to shed much light on the relationships between the outstanding 18th century revival men, all greatly influenced by Selina Hastings, the Countess of Huntingdon. George Whitefield, John and Charles Wesley, Howell Harris, John Berridge, Henry Venn, Grimshaw, Romaine, and on and on. I knew that the Countess had a pivotal role in encouraging the planting of evangelical churches in England and Wales, but I was unaware of how far her influence extended. But this is no hagiography. Faith Cook analyzes with honesty not only the strength of this great Christian lady, but also brings to light her weaknesses. As a noble lady, she was used to having her own way, and so this aspect of her personality sometimes clashed with other leaders such as John Wesley, who were also accustomed to having their words heeded. But through it all, they loved one another for the mutual faith they shared.
Christian women, as well as men, should love this book. Not many women in the 18th century, when the lot of women was often not a happy one, had the opportunity to support the cause of the evangelical Gospel as she did. This book has been a joy to read
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