Selina, Countess of Huntingdon: Her Pivotal Role in the 18th Century Evangelical Awakening

by Faith Cook

Deeply admired by such contemporaries as King George III, Henry Venn and George Whitefield (who described her as all in a flame for Jesus), Selina Hastings, Countess of Huntingdon left an indelible mark on the Evangelical Awakening of the Eighteenth Century. Closely involved for nearly forty years with the leaders of the revival, she gave herself unstintingly to the cause of Christ, contributing sacrificially to the construction of sixty-four chapels, the opening of many more, and the founding of Trevecca College in Wales. Drawing on unpublished sources, Faith Cook gives a deeper and truer-to-life portrait than any previously available. She introduces the reader to a gallery of eighteenth-century personalities, among whom the Countess secured an entrance for the gospel through the powerful preaching of such men as George Whitefield, William Romaine and John Fletcher. This major new biography not only rescues the Countess from undeserved obscurity and misrepresentation, but also shows what God can accomplish through the tireless labours of a godly woman whose heart's desire was that the dear Lamb of God, my best, my eternal, my only Friend should have all dedicated to his service and glory.

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

496 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2001

About the author

Faith Cook was born in China, the daughter of OMF missionaries, and now lives in Derbyshire. She is married to Paul, who served as a pastor in churches in Northallerton, Shepshed and Hull. They have five children and ten grandchildren. She is also the author of Lives Turned Upside Down, The Nine-Day Queen of England, Our Hymn-writers and their Hymns, Seeing the Invisible and Under the Scaffold.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous biography. I savored every bit and tried to drag it out as long as possible. Faith Cooke is an excellent writer and researcher. She presents a realistic yet respectful take on Selina, Countess of Huntingdon. Selina was not perfect and we see some of her faults. However, there is no doubt of the supernatural transformation that took place in her life. She had a tremendous impact for eternity. Highly recommended!

[Beth Sherwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a whole area of Christian history that I knew very little about, so it was interesting to broaden my knowledge of the 1700s and how God was working. Selina used her influence and money to build many chapels for preaching the Gospel and to financially support and train ministers.

[Kathy Manchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

a wonderfully written book - recommend for an insight into God's amazing work through this woman and others in the time of Wesley and Whitefield. She went through terrible losses and setbacks, stood up to John Wesley when he went down the path of perfectionism, never lost sight of her Saviour Whom she served so creatively. She worked till she died, though often very ill herself. She set up training colleges, put evangelists into high society, suffered much ridicule, personally funded gospel opportunities in India, for example...

She concluded her will with:

"As I have always lived a poor unworthy pensioner of the infinite bounty of my Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, so do I hereby declare that all my present peace and my future hope of glory, either in whole or in part, depend wholly, fully and finally upon His merits alone. Committing my soul into His arms unreservedly as a subject of his sole mercy to all eternity".

[Stephen Morefield · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible biography about an incredible subject. As a reader of many biographies in this era and related to this topic, I don't know how I'd gone so long without learning about this remarkable woman and the shocking role she played in the eighteenth century Evangelical awakening. Cook's thorough scholarship makes this a long read (and the definitive biography on the subject), however her writing is a joy to read and she tells the story well, highlighting both the Countess' strengths and weaknesses with a charitable and historically informed balance that strikes the right note. Truly one of the most surprisingly great biographies I've read. Every Christian can learn from the life of Selina!

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was loaded with information. I think I would give it 3.5 stars if I could. I really enjoyed learning about the Countess but I was overwhelmed by the quantity of information regarding her work (names, dates, perspectives, etc.).

In regards to the Countess and the life she lived, it was a blessing to read about her unwavering desire to get the gospel message out to the people of her region, country, and the world. Although I may not agree with all of her choices and how they panned out, I am encouraged by her desire to walk by faith and see good things happen for God's glory.

[Geoff Gobbett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very well written book that added greatly to one’s understanding of the Evangelical revival period. A devoted and consistent Christian, and yet autocratic and on occasion self willed. She gave all to the Lord, and, when sane, highly commended by King George 111. He said she and other leaders of the Revival did more good that all the bishops and clergy of the established church put together.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A most excellent book about a most excellent woman! Although this contains a lot of content, it is easy to read and compelling.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is a biography of a remarkable lady used of God for the furtherance of His kingdom. She used her station, her contacts, her influence,her strengh of character, her money to reach out to the lost, both the rich and the poor. She had churches built, encouraged pastors, payed for the education of pastors, and invited rich and poor into her home that they may hear the gospel preached, just to name a few ways God used her. She reached out to the poor women with the gospel, the result being the believe of many a woman in our Lord and Saviour.
She was no stranger to suffering, sickness and death, nor was she a stranger to difficulties arising due to her faith.
She is a parent many Christian parents today can relate to. Most of her children were believers, one wandered away from the faith later to return, and one was not of the faith. The heartache this caused her can be felt by many today. As the saying goes- there is nothing new under the sun.
As we read through the book we are made familiar with numerous men and women of strong faith. Their faith we do not doubt; yet we also are made aware of the imperfection of these these godly characters. Children of God who went home to glory with their final bodies of perfection to sin no more. How we too long for that day!

[Nigel Ewan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This was great. A shockingly human portrayal of one of the Great Awakening's forgotten heroes, not to mention all the famous men (Whitfield, John and Charles Wesley, Howell Harris, Philip Doddridge) who also appear. Cook does a really good job presenting Selina as a multidimensional human being, simul justus et peccator. Overall, the book painted a very objective, charitable picture of all the parties involved. When the Calvinists and Arminians disagreed, it _hurt_, because I empathized and understood both sides of the debate. Good, true stories like this are hard to come by.

[Jenny Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting perspective. Selina was able to do a lot of good with her influence and money. You see it wasn't always roses, and there was still a lot of disputes, much as there are now. I do think at times the power went to her head, and she was a bit of a control freak. However, there is no doubt she did an awful lot of good. This has been well researched, but at a couple of points became tedious,having given rather too much detail in parts.

[Selina · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you're interested in the 18th century Evangelical awakening, this is a nice alternative viewpoint. Otherwise, it's just a lot of trivial information about an avid church planter who lived 250 years ago.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful book and very inspiring to be more useful in God's kingdom!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful biography of a precious christian lady that every believer should know about!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent biography of a key leader during the Great Awakening.