Five English Reformers

by J.C. Ryle

The conviction that martyrs, though dead, can still speak to the church, led Ryle to pen these pungent biographies of five English Reformers. He analyses the reasons for their martyrdom and points out the salient characteristics of their lives.

Genres: Biography, Church History, History, Christian, Nonfiction, Theology, Christianity

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1890

About the author

(John Charles Ryle) Ryle started his ministry as curate at the Chapel of Ease in Exbury, Hampshire, moving on to become rector of St Thomas's, Winchester in 1843 and then rector of Helmingham, Suffolk the following year. While at Helmingham he married and was widowed twice. He began publishing popular tracts, and Matthew, Mark and Luke of his series of Expository Thoughts on the Gospels were published in successive years (1856-1858). His final parish was Stradbroke, also in Suffolk, where he moved in 1861, and it was as vicar of All Saints that he became known nationally for his straightforward preaching and firm defence of evangelical principles. He wrote several well-known and still-in-print books, often addressing issues of contemporary relevance for the Church from a biblical standpoint. He completed his Expository Thoughts on the Gospels while at Stradbroke, with his work on the Gospel of John (1869). His third marriage, to Henrietta Amelia Clowes in 1861, lasted until her death in 1889.

Reviews

[Coyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The biographies as biographies were just so-so, and Ryle's writing style is likewise fairly standard (for the 19th century, anyway).
The true value of this short volume comes in the first chapter, in which Ryle engages the question: "why were our Reformers burned?" That is, why were a generation of English Christians persecuted and executed? Ryle gives two answers to this: a general answer and a specific answer.
The general reason the Reformers were burned is that the Roman Catholic Church burned them.

I ask my readers never to forget that for the burning of our Reformers the Church of Rome is wholly and entirely responsible.

The specific answer is the doctrine of transubstantiation.

Great indeed would be our mistake if we supposed that they suffered for the vague charge of refusing submission to the Pope, or desiring to maintain the independence of the Church of England. Nothing of the kind! The principal reason why they were burned was because they refused one of the peculiar doctrines of the Romish Church. On that doctrine, in almost every case, hinged their life or death. If they admitted it, they might live; if they refused it, they must die.
The doctrine in question was the real presence of the body and blood of Christ in teh consecrated elements of bread and wine in the Lord's Supper.

But why would the Reformers choose that particular doctrine to fight over? Why is that the hill to die upon?

No well-instructed Bible reader can hesitate for a moment in giving his answer. Such an one will say at once that the Romish doctrine of the real presence strikes at the very root of the Gospel, and is the very citadel and keep of Popery.

It's fascinating to read Ryle, who was engaged in the battles with the tractarians (Catholicizers) in his own time, from the perspective of our relatively fuzzy 20th-century ecumenicalism.

[Mikeandamy Galdamez · Rating 5 out of 5]

J. C. Ryle's Five English Reformers is an engaging and helpful introduction to the English Reformation. Informed Protestants are aware of the Reformation in Germany and Geneva but are far less aware of the Reformation in England. They are acquainted with the names Luther, Calvin, and Zwingli, but may be completely ignorant of the names John Hooper, Rowland Taylor, Hugh Latimer, John Bradford, and Nicholas Ridley. These five men were used mightily by God in the 16th century. All five of these men were burned as martyrs by the Roman Catholic Church during the reign of Queen Mary. These were men who loved Christ and stood for sound doctrine and they deserve to be known by the spiritual descendants of the Reformation.

J. C. Ryle published Five English Reformers in 1890 with a desire to remind his fellow English Protestants of the godly lives of their Reformers who lived over 300 years before. Ryle wrote to deal with a pressing issue in the Church of England. Some in the Church were falling back into Roman Catholic doctrines and others falling prey to the spirit of ecumenicalism.

Over a hundred years latter, Ryle's book continues to provide Protestants with encouragement to maintain sound doctrine and to beware of giving up the truth that our spiritual ancestors lived and died for.

[Ethan Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great book for someone seeking to understand not only 16th century English reformers, their lives, their views, and their martyrdoms but also to understand culturally where they were when this was written in 1890. Really great book and a huge encouragement to believers and to put in perspective where we are culturally and how far we’ve come.

I would recommend everyone read the first chapter, Ryle does a great job of articulating and communicating why the reformers were burned with quotes and details from each of the reformers focused on in the rest of the book.

The rest of the biographies were good, standard for the time of when it was written. Great piece and great to be educated on the martyrdoms of the great English reformers.

[Mark Donald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read with CHC interns 23-24.

Stirring stories of English Reformers and the doctrines they were willing to die for.

Critique: Not my favorite J.C. Ryle book. A little repetitive and he relies heavily on Foxes’ book of martyrs and quotes it and other sources extensively, which is great but a little arduous.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: THERE are certain facts in history which the world tries hard to forget and ignore. These facts get in the way of some of the world’s favourite theories, and are highly inconvenient.

Premise/plot: Five English Reformers is a collection of six sketches or essays. The first essay is "Why Were Our Reformers Burned." It gives an overview of this period of history focusing not just on the who, the where, the when, the how--but THE WHY. (It highlights nine martyrs).

The collection also includes five sketches of individual reformers: John Hooper, Rowland Taylor, Hugh Latimer, John Bradford, and Nicholas Ridley. These sketches could be read independently of one another. Each does stand on its own. The book gathers together likeminded writings on the English Reformers.

Many sections of the sketches (Hooper, Taylor, Latimer, Bradford, Ridley) are just excerpts from Foxe's Book of Martyrs with some light commentary by Ryle. He also includes a few quotes--as he sees fit--from the English Reformers themselves.

My thoughts: If you enjoy reading history and biographies, this one may be a good fit for you. The first essay is, in my opinion, the best because it tackles the why. I think so often we forget about the why when we're reading history. This is set during the Tudor period. Henry VIII has died, his heir Edward has died still a boy without an heir of his own, the question is which sister will reign next...and what religion will the country be.

Ryle argues in this one that the main reason the Reformers burned was the conflict--the disagreement--over communion or mass. Ryle writes, "The doctrine in question was the real presence of the body and blood of Christ in the consecrated elements of bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper." He examines this point of debate in terms of past and present. Was it worth dying for then? Also is it worth standing up for and defending now? Should protestants remain firm on this issue. Or is there a lot of wiggle room. Is this a major issue or a minor one.

Truth is truth, however long it may be neglected. Facts are facts, however long they may lie buried.

A right diagnosis of disease is the very first element of successful treatment. The physician who does not see what is the matter is never likely to work any cures.

Take away the Gospel from a Church and that Church is not worth preserving. A well without water, a scabbard without a sword, a steam-engine without a fire, a ship without compass and rudder, a watch without a mainspring, a stuffed carcase without life,—all these are useless things. But there is nothing so useless as a Church without the Gospel.

To the Reformation Englishmen owe an English Bible, and liberty for every man to read it.—To the Reformation they owe the knowledge of the way of peace with God, and of the right of every sinner to go straight to Christ by faith, without bishop, priest, or minister standing in his way.—To the Reformation they owe a Scriptural standard of morality and holiness, such as our ancestors never dreamed of.-For ever let us be thankful for these inestimable mercies! For ever let us grasp them firmly, and refuse to let them go! For my part, I hold that he who would rob us of these privileges, and draw us back to Pre-Reformation ignorance, superstition, and unholiness, is an enemy to England, and ought to be firmly opposed.

Let us read our Bibles, and be armed with Scriptural arguments. A Bible-reading laity is a nation’s surest defence against error.

The principal reason why they were burned was because they refused one of the peculiar doctrines of the Romish Church. On that doctrine, in almost every case, hinged their life or death. If they admitted it, they might live; if they refused it, they must die. The doctrine in question was the real presence of the body and blood of Christ in the consecrated elements of bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper.

It is a broad fact that during the four last years of Queen Mary’s reign no less than 288 persons were burnt at the stake for their adhesion to the Protestant faith.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if this was how these chapters were originally published but they seemed a bit repetitions. Nevertheless, excellent biographies of Hooper, Taylor, Latimer, Bradford, and Ridley, five Marian martyrs who "by God's grace, [lit] such a candle in England as I trust shall never be put out."

One of the best things about the book is how relevant Ryle made it for his readers. These weren't merely biographies but a cry to rouse ourselves and watch lest we lose all that they stood for by conceding too much to those friendly to Rome. I hope Ryle's call didn't sound on deaf ears and did some good but it is sad to see that the Anglican Church has largely gone the way he feared. This is a sobering warning against those in our own day that would like to see Roman Catholics and Protestants together: the differences between us are great, and men died for that testimony.

[Jonathan Downing · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent history of five of the most influential English reformers burned under the Marian persecution. Ryle's comments are excellent; however, the best parts of the book are undoubtedly the quotes from the famous Foxe's Book of Martyrs, and for that reason I can only give it three stars as you might as well go read excerpts from that.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a shorter collection of biographies from Ryle's larger work "Light from old times." If you want an appetizer instead of the whole meal, this is a good place to start.

[Justin McGuire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Content was excellent and edifying, but Ryle is redundant in his description of what happened to these five reformers and quotes Foxe’s Book of Martyrs at great length. Good for an overview but would probably find other, individual biographies to read if given it to do over again.

[Jordan Shelvock · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at some of the more prominent English Reformers who were martyred during the reign of Mary. Ryle sketches a biography of each and then goes on to give a sample of their writing. The motivation for the book was to show how transubstantiation was the very thing the martyrs died for. In his own day, there was a resurgence of this doctrine in the English church.

Valuable to any interested in the English Reformation or the Lord's supper.

[Stephen Temple · Rating 5 out of 5]

While other reviews below about this not being the best written book—given they were originally individual pieces written for a magazine, and given that he quotes a lot from Foxe which is written in older English—this is an excellent book in understanding the issues at play in the 16th century English Reformation. The introductory chapter and the chapters of John Hooper and Hugh Latimer are by far the best and really describe the state of England's religion pre-Reformation in a way that gives you a real sense of awe at what God did through these mayrtered Reformers in such a short period of time. As a set of biographies, this book is okay, as an unpacking of the significance of the English Reformation, this is a must read for every English-speaking Christian who owes their faith to the work of these men.

[Brian Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written during the tractarian controversy, in which a segment of Anglicans were moving in a Roman Catholic direction, Ryle looks the lives and deaths of five Anglicans—John Hooper, Rowland Taylor, Hugh Latimer, John Bradford, Nicholas Ridley—who were burned for their beliefs during the reign of Mary I. In an introductory chapter Ryle makes the case the early Anglican reformers were burned for opposing the doctrines that the Anglo-Catholics say the Anglican church ought to embrace. As with all of Ryle's writings, it is clear, forceful, and hortatory.

[Dkovlak · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book makes you appreciate what true Christians had to go through during the reign of Bloody Mary in England. It is a shame these talented men and authors could not have lived longer and contributed more to Christianity through their preaching and writings. JC Ryle warns his readers how cruel non - Christians can be to Christians for their beliefs. He focuses on the lives of 5 devoted men, although hundreds were burnt at the stake for their beliefs during this timeframe.

[Dan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The content is excellent but the writing style doesn't make this a very enjoyable read. Apparently these chapters were first produced for use in a magazine in the 1890's. It would probably have been better had a little more work gone into editing this before being produced as a book.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this as a devotional read, trying to vary my diet a bit, and this is the first work by Ryle I've read. The book is essentially an introductory essay and five brief biographies of martyrs under Queen Mary. I was unfamiliar with the story of the English Reformers, so this was a welcome primer. I had heard the "play the man" quote from Latimer to Ridley before but to hear about their preparations for death and their concern for their respective flocks as they died was stirring and encouraging. I found Ryle's defense of non-Roman Anglicanism compelling and his argument on why transubstantiation is a threat to sound Christology cogent. This book is not written in a modern style and can be a bit repetitive, but if you can forgive Ryle these points, it's an enjoyable read.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent biographies wrapped around and apologetic against Catholic theology

The actual biographies of the five men highlighted are quite short, though indeed intriguing. I had hoped for much more on their lives, but the author instead used their lives and theology as a defense against encroaching Catholic doctrine 300 years after the Reformation. So it was informative, the biographies were engaging, though short. I guess my only complaint is that it was a different book than I had hoped, but I can't blame the author for that.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ryle shares the motive behind the lives and deaths of five key reformers: Hooper, Taylor, Latimer, Bradford and Ridley. Why were they martyred? On account of their anti-Romish doctrines, especially their refusal of transubstantiation. The first chapter is a good summary of the whole book. The following chapters about each individual largely repeat what’s already been said, but are worth reading for the excerpts from Foxe’s Book of Matyrs.

I admire these men (and their families) because they stuck by their convictions no matter the consequences. Rev 12:11.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryle is always a profitable read, but I could only take this book in small doses because of the violence done to these evangelical reformers (and so many others like them). Oh to be willing to die for the gospel! These stories will make you appreciate the liberty we yet have to read Scripture in our own language and evangelize without fear of imprisonment and death.

[Brandon Varnado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book and easy read. Rule outlines the doctrinal heresies facing the Church of England in his day. He also pointed out that the Church had already faced the same issues 300 years earlier and many reformers were martyred for the faith. He calls the church not to forget these men, but more importantly, the faith they died for.

[Robert Scholl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting Read

This would get more stars but given the time period the style is a but if challenge. Additionally this ebook has more than a few obvious typos. The content is very interesting. I've recently been wanting to know more about the reformers, and I've had trouble determining what to read that wouldn't be too scholarly. This is a good one to read for that topic

[Brian Pate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring snapshots from the English Reformation.

Anglican Bishop J. C. Ryle was concerned about how the Church of England of the late 19th century was becoming more Catholic. He wanted to remind his fellow Anglicans of the significance and cost of being English Protestants, so he wrote these sketches of five reformers who were martyred in 1555.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of the English Reformation in the 16th Century is told through the lives and deaths of 5 leading reformers. Removed from positions of leadership in the Church of England as soon as Mary came to the throne, their imprisonment and agonising deaths are a salutary reminder of the dark ages from which the church emerged.

[Aaron Hand · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book, very stirring. The accounts of John Hooper, Rowland Taylor, Hugh Latimer, John Bradford and Nicolas Ridley, including others in the introduction, show faith and courage as we seldom ever see it. This book is short but well worth the read.

[Michael Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perhaps forgotten histiry

Given the shocking illiberal state the modern day Church of England is in, it is more than worthwhile, through this book, to understand the blood that was spilt to free our nation from the Bishop of Rome and his church's unbiblical deceptions.

[Josh Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

The testimonies of these who gave their lives at the stake have stirred my heart to be ever faithful to the One who died for me!

[Ben Poch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating book. Insightful book on a topic I knew little about. The lives and death of these incredible men prove to be examples, warnings and challenges all in one, for Christians today.

[Lloyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply encouraging and moving read!!

[Sylvia Hayes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book but it was mostly just quotes.

[Jeremi Kulík · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this great book!

[Ben Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exceptional history of the English Reformation by way of 5 biographies of Anglican Bishops.

The opening essay is worth the price of the book!