Heroes of the Early Church: Life-Changing Lessons for the Young

by Richard Newton

"These graphic sketches of the 'Heroes of the Early Church' are the latest series penned by the distinguished author, whom Spurgeon fittingly called 'The Prince of Children's Preachers.' The sketches are in many respects the best work of the gifted man. As he ripened in saintship for heaven, his literary style became even more rich with the aroma of the gospel, and so more forcible, simple, and crisp, than in his earlier writings." - Edwin W. Rice, from the Preface These helpful sketches are filled with lessons for the young and old alike on the lives of men like: Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Polycarp of Smyrna, Justin Martyr, Tertullian of Carthage, Origin of Alexandria, Eusebius of Caesarea, Athanasius the Great, Basil the Great, Ambrose of Milan, John Chrysostom, Jerome, Augustine and others.

196 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Richard Newton (1813-1887) was called "The Prince of Preachers to the young" by no less than Charles H. Spurgeon.

Newton was born in Liverpool, England, died in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1836, and the General Theological Seminary, New York City, in 1839. He was ordained in West Chester, Pennsylvania, in the latter year in the Church of the Holy Trinity, and received a call directly to the rectorship of the same church. A year later he became recor at St. Paul's Church, Philadelphia, which post he held for twenty-two years. In 1862 he was called to the Church of the Epiphany, Philadelphia, where he labored until 1881, when he accepted the rectorship of the Church of the Covenant, Philadelphia, where he remained the rest of his life. Dr. Newton was distinguished for his contributions to juvenile literature. He was very successful in preparing for sermons for children

Solid Ground Christian Books is commited to reprinting the books of this brilliant and humble servant of Jesus Christ who sought to preach one sermon each month to the children of his flock. Every month for years over 500 children sat at his feet as he opened the Scriptures to them.

We are honored to bring these great volumes back into print!

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

Reviews

[Joshua Horn · Rating 3 out of 5]

These were interesting and edifying stories to read aloud for the kids. I learned plenty myself. However, we found them a bit formulaic. Newton gave a pretty brief history of the individual, and then spent a lot of time on teaching lessons. I think history should be made applicable, but I think it's a bit too far when more time is spent on applications than on the history. It also got pretty repetitious - when you are giving so few facts about someone's life, there's not a lot different to say about each character.

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book containing biographies of many of the great leaders of the church during the first 500 years after Christ. These were heroes that I have never heard of, with some amazing stories of grace under the harshest conditions.

The author, Richard Newton, was a minister who was born in England but ministered to the people of Philadelphia during the 1800's. His style is very formulaic with lessons young people should learn from each leader's life.

[Bob Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

There were some fascinating characters in the early church. It's good read whether young or old. I truly respect what some of these men went through to defend their beliefs.