Makers of Puritan History – A Review by Ben Ramsbottom

Archbishop Loane is an excellent writer. He has a thorough knowledge of his subject and writes in a pleasing style, which along with the importance of the subject makes the book profitable.

Makers of Puritan History¹ deals with Alexander Henderson, Samuel Rutherford, John Bunyan and Richard Baxter. The times were stormy and the seventeenth century was an amazing period, with much turmoil, both politically and ecclesiastically.

We are very touched to read of Baxter’s sufferings for Jesus’ sake, especially the disgraceful treatment he received as an old man in extreme weakness from the notorious Judge Jeffreys. It would have been better if the author had referred more clearly to Baxter’s doctrinal errors. As the compiler of the recent Day by Day with the English Puritans has stated: ‘While most Puritans admired Baxter’s godly life, they seriously questioned his unorthodox doctrine of justification.’

As well as giving the life story of each Puritan in a most interesting way, the author gives an appraisal of his character, his preaching and his writings – which will make the work appeal more to the student.

Sir Marcus Loane, as he became, was certainly eminent in the religious world, being Archbishop of Sydney and Primate of Australia. As far as we can tell, he was one of the best men in the Church of England, standing for the principles of the Reformation. He died only this year at the advanced age of 98. Because of his importance, an obituary appeared in The Daily Telegraph, but it was very sad to read the contempt poured on him for his ‘narrow-minded Puritanism.’

Altogether a book of quality!