Alexander Peden, by Maurice Grant, published by the Scottish Reformation Society in their Scots Worthies series, paperback, 54 pages, £4.00.
Mr Grant should be well known as the author of substantial biographies of the prominent Covenanters: Donald Cargill, Richard Cameron and James Renwick. This new book is on a different scale – much smaller. It is to be warmly welcome.
Peden was inducted to the Galloway parish of New Luce probably in early 1660, but within three years he had been ejected – because, like many other Scottish ministers, he could not submit to the unbiblical conditions imposed by the new regime under Charles II. He became a field preacher and had to spend time as a prisoner on the Bass Rock. He was set free in a remarkable way and was never again captured. Though he had to live mostly in caves, he died in his brother’s bed.
These and other facts about Peden’s life are interestingly retold and accompanied with appropriate comment. “To those privileged to know him,” the author writes, “he was at once a figure of awe, admiration and affection.”
Ignatius of Antioch, The Man Who Faced Lions;
Polycarp of Smyrna, The Man Whose Faith Lasted;
Irenaeus of Lyons, The Man Who Wrote Books;
all by Sinclair B Ferguson, published by the Banner of Truth Trust, hardback, illustrated, 40 pages, £8.00 each.
These are the first three in a series of books for young children, on leading preachers throughout the ages. Most people may know very little about the men whose lives are briefly described in these books, but they were faithful to their Master, seeking to advance His kingdom in the early centuries of the Christian era. Two of them were martyred. Their stories are told simply and effectively. We would wish, however, that, even for children, modern versions of the Scriptures were not used.
^1The books reviewed here may be obtained from the Free Presbyterian Bookroom.