©2009, The Banner of Truth Trust, 303 pp., hbk.

Heroes. If we stop and think about that word we realize we each have one or more of them. These are people who have impacted our lives in one or more ways.

We can be thankful that Iain Murray has taken the time to open up his life and let us know about the lives of his heroes. Those who are familiar with the retired pastor and editor know that he is well-read and knowledgeable about the reformation and its development in Western Europe and North America. Thus it should not surprise us that Murray’s heroes span these areas. Some will be better known to the reader than others; however, as Murray shows, each has a life worth studying and a life from which we can learn applications for our spiritual journey.

Readers will probably be familiar with men such as Jonathan Edwards and Charles Spurgeon. In both of these men used so greatly by God in conversion of others, Murray notes their faithfulness in the midst of ongoing trials. The historian also notes the lives of William Hewitson and Robert Kelly whose paths crossed in Lisbon, Portugal for the ultimate advance of the gospel. However it was on the small island of Madeira, hundreds of miles off the northwest coast of Africa, that they were used by God to teach the Bible to hundreds. Many turned to Christ for salvation. Each felt the sting of persecution for their faith as did a number who had been converted under their ministry.

Murray also turns the reader’s attention to the labors of Georgia plantation owners, Charles and Mary Colcock Jones. Their interest was the cultivation of the gospel among the slaves – their own and those on other plantations. The couple was also interested in seeing that the physical needs of the slaves were met. Murray notes the failure of so many Christians in the south in their support of slavery of another race while also loving their own physical freedom and working for the spread of the Gospel among the slaves.

At the end of each biography, Murray draws a number of insightful applications. These are marked by their God-centeredness and also usefulness for our day. Through his writing we are reminded not just of the importance of the individua, but also of the importance of the body of believers – the church. The reader can also be reminded that one does not have to be well-known to be used by God. Each is to minister where he has been placed with the gifts given by God. Ministry can occur through being a paid full-time employee of a Christian endeavor. However Christians can also do great work for the Lord in the institutions of civil government, business, and other walks of life.

Murray’s writing evidences a great love for clear communication, Christ-centeredness, and the Christian church. His method also reminds us that good biographies provide not only a way for us to know the subject better, but also glean principles to apply to our own life.

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©2010 Byron Snapp, Hampton,Virginia