Day One Christian Biography Collection (16 volumes)

Anne Boleyn: One Short Life that Changed the English-Speaking World

• Author: Colin Hamer
• 160 pages | Day One Publications | 2007

Anne Boleyn, twenty years old, stepped onto the shore at Dover in the winter of 1521 after several years abroad. She had been sent to France to assimilate French culture, and had used her time well. She was set to make a big impression at the Tudor court—and did, capturing the heart of Henry VIII.

But this woman, who was on the throne of England for only three years and in the grave by the age of thirty-six, provokes strong reactions from many. Was she an immoral woman who seduced Henry away from his rightful wife for the advancement of family and personal gain? In this well-researched, fresh look at Anne, Colin Hamer sets her in her context as a young woman who had come to true faith in Christ, and shows the impact for good she made from her position of influence, an impact we still benefit from today.

Colin Hamer is currently chairman of a charity that works with the homeless and other vulnerable groups. Following his graduation from Liverpool University in 1972 with B.A., he spent a short time teaching, and then pursued a business career for more than twenty-five years. He has been an elder at Grace Baptist Church, Astley, Manchester, for twenty years. He and his wife Lois have two adult children.

In this fascinating biography of her short life, Colin Hamer skillfully shows how God prepared Anne for this important work and used her to bring Reformed truth into the powerhouse of England.
—Kath Dredge, Further Education tutor and manager of Hall Green BookPoint, Haworth

Colin Hamer’s Anne Boleyn is as exciting as fiction, as it carefully makes its way through the historical and religious complexities of Henry VIII’s England.
—David B. Calhoun, Professor of Church History at Covenant Theological Seminary, St Louis, Missouri

Colin Hamer’s new book is a spirited and engaging biography of the beautiful, dark-eyed Anne Boleyn, second of Henry VIII’s six wives. What makes this treatment so fascinating is that Hamer rightly understands her important (one might say vital) role in support of the ‘new learning’—Protestantism. As Henry’s queen, Anne brought her evangelical convictions (learned from Marguerite d’Angoulême) to Henry’s Tudor court where she worked clandestinely as an advocate for the Protestant cause. The story told here makes for a stimulating read and will give the reader a deeper and richer understanding of the English Reformation.
—Frank A. James III, President and Professor of Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando, Florida

John Rogers: Sealed with Blood—The Story of the First Protestant Martyr of Mary Tudor’s Reign

• Tim Shenton
• 144 pages | Day One Publications | 2007

The life of John Rogers has been largely overlooked in recent Reformation scholarship, but, as Tim Shenton shows in this fresh biography, Rogers is rightfully placed alongside such pivotal figures as William Tyndale and Thomas Cranmer. Rogers excelled as a scholar, and his publication of what is called Matthew’s Bible was a critical step toward making the English people a “people of the book.”

Rogers died as a martyr during the reign of Mary I for what he was right to view as biblical convictions. This aspect of Roger’s life occupies significant space in this new biography, and rightly so. After all, we in the West sorely need to craft a theology of martyrdom—it would put backbone into our proclamation and living and help us remember brothers and sisters going through fiery trials even today. Remembering individuals such as Rogers is a great help in the development of such a theology.

Tim Shenton is the head teacher of St. Martin’s School and an elder at Lansdowne Baptist Church, Bournemouth. He is married with two daughters. He has researched and written extensively on church history, specializing in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Among his works are Forgotten Heroes of Revival (part of this collection), Our Perfect God (part of the 24-volume Day One Biblical and Theological Studies Collection), Opening Up 1 Thessalonians (part of the 24-volume Opening Up Commentary Collection, and an expositional commentary on the prophet Habakkuk (part of the 7-volume Exploring the Bible Commentary Collection).

Tim Shenton has produced yet another well-documented, gripping biography of a real hero of faith—John Rogers (d. 1555), renowned biblical editor and first Marian martyr. Follow Rogers’ fascinating career from Antwerp to Germany, and back again to England, where he was arrested, remained steadfast under intense interrogation, and paid the ultimate price for confessing Christ. This is a great book about an important epigone; hopefully, Rogers will no longer be marginalized! Highly recommended for teenagers and adults.
—Joel R. Beeke, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Shenton weaves a brilliant tapestry from original sources and introduces the reader to many compelling and complex personalities. Well-proportioned in its emphasis, this history will be a vital contribution to studies of Protestant martyrs in Queen Mary’s reign.
—Randall J. Pederson, co-author of Meet the Puritans

Forgotten Heroes of Revival

• Tim Shenton
• 192 pages | Day One Publications | 2004

The forgotten heroes of revival described here were men of passion. Their deep love for Jesus Christ and for the souls of their listeners enabled them to stand strong through the storms of persecution and to preach a message that didn't only address the mind with truth, but reached into the hearts of their hearers. As they proclaimed the Word of Life, it shook their congregations—it stirred them—and many were saved! Read about:

• James Rouquet, a young vicar in Cornwall, catalyzed out of his careless lifestyle by a dream in which he was to be summoned before the judgment seat of Christ;
• George Thomson, a friend of John Wesley, who exercised a remarkable ministry of compassion among prisoners;
• Captain Jonathan Scott, a military officer whose life was characterized by dissipation and vice until his conversion and whose life subsequently made a great impact on his fellow soldiers and then, later, in civilian circles;
• David Simpson, who, even as a boy, felt compelled by a voice from heaven to be instructed for the ministry, and whose evangelical preaching cut powerfully through the social ills of his day, bringing conviction and conversion;
• Thomas Pentycross, a bright pupil who made rapid progress at school, a gifted actor and orator, who, after his conversion, had a long and controversial ministry in preaching and in establishing a church school.

Tim Shenton is the head teacher of St. Martin’s School and an elder at Lansdowne Baptist Church, Bournemouth. He is married with two daughters. He has researched and written extensively on church history, specializing in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Among his works are John Rogers: Sealed with Blood—The Story of the First Protestant Martyr of Mary Tudor’s Reign (part of this collection), Our Perfect God (part of the 24-volume Day One Biblical and Theological Studies Collection), Opening Up 1 Thessalonians (part of the 24-volume Opening Up Commentary Collection, and an expositional commentary on the prophet Habakkuk (part of the 7-volume Exploring the Bible Commentary Collection).

A Forgotten Revival

• Stanley C. Griffin
• 132 pages | Day One Publications | 1999

Anyone concerned to see revival again can draw encouragement in this truly riveting tale of how East Anglia became gripped by a revival which has almost been forgotten. Painstaking research by the author has ensured that these amazing events of 1921 have been recorded and can be used as inspiration by God's people.

Stanley Griffin was born in Lowestoft, U.K. nine years after a revival took place, during which his father was brought to faith in Christ. He was brought up in the Baptist Church where revival broke out. He eventually became a member and a lay preacher.

Gunpowder Treason and Plot: The Gruesome Story of Guy Fawkes

• Clive Anderson
• 95 pages | Day One Publications | 2005

The year is 1605 and England is in crisis as terrorists plot to blow up the king, royal family, and Parliament in one gigantic explosion in Westminster! If the plot had succeeded, then the history of England, Europe, and the rest of the world would have been very different, for there would have been no King James Bible and no Pilgrim Fathers. On the 400th anniversary of the plot, read how powerful nations and famous figures of history were caught up in the unfolding drama.

Clive Anderson is the pastor of the Butts Church in Alton, Hampshire, and a member of the British Museum Society, the British School of Archaeology in Iraq, the Egyptian Exploration Society and the Tyndale Society. He leads tours to the Middle East and Egypt, and is the author of Travel with C. H. Spurgeon and co-author with Brian Edwards of Through the British Museum with the Bible. He and his wife, Amanda, have one son.

Here is everything one could want in a story—plots, conspiracy, terror, spies, religion, politics, torture, and much more… Read it for pleasure… Read it for wisdom.
—Rev. Dr. Kenneth Brownell, Senior Pastor, The East London Tabernacle

Chinese Whispers: The Gladys Aylward Story

• Carol Purves
• 128 pages | Day One Publications | 2004

Wounded by a Japanese bullet as she led nearly a hundred refugee children to safety over the mountains of China, Gladys Aylward’s story is larger than life. This tiny, uncompromising woman, born in 1902 in the East End of London, and who by the age of thirty-two had travelled no further than Bristol, believed she was called by God to the far-off land of China. Undeterred by criticism and contrary advice, she set off alone and trusted in God to supply all her needs. When she died in 1970, she had become a Chinese citizen, and had been the means of help and hope to thousands of children and women.

Her story is retold in this new biography, which incorporates original material and digs beneath the surface into the controversies that surrounded her life and work. The result is an inspiring record of human bravery and God’s sustaining power against all the odds.

Carol Purves is a freelance writer, former teacher, member of the Association of Christian Writers, and Society of Authors, and is currently researching the lives of George Muller and Dr. Barnardo.

The time is ripe for a new generation to hear the astounding story of one of the missionary pioneers of the twentieth century. This is the ideal book to put in their hands, alive with fresh information and wise judgment.
—Dr. Keith J. White, director of Mill Grove, lecturer at Spurgeon's College, and author of several books, including The Art of Faith, A Place for Us, Caring for Deprived Children, and In His Image

From Prussia with Love

• Carol Purves
• 128 pages | Day One Publications | 2005

A delinquent in Prussia, working for the Jews in London and stirring up the Christians in the West Country of England, George Muller went on with God to establish five children’s homes in Bristol, caring for hundreds of children in the nineteenth century. "My God shall supply all your needs" was the text by which he lived his life. No appeals were ever made to human resources. Muller's appeals were made to God alone and, for over sixty years, he relied solely on God for all his needs. His story is retold in this new biography to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the birth of this great man.

Carol Purves is a freelance writer, former teacher, member of the Association of Christian Writers and Society of Authors, and author the best-selling Chinese Whispers: The Gladys Aylward Story, part of this collection.

Edwards' book finds a well-deserved place at the cutting edge of application of this important theme.
—The Banner of Truth Magazine

This is a highly readable treatment of a vital subject and can be gratefully recommended.
—Evangelical Times

Seldom have I appreciated a book more than this one...
—The Gospel Magazine

A Reluctant Missionary

• Margaret Hayes
• 128 pages | Day One Publications | 2005

"Go to Congo." God's call was loud, clear, and insistent. What was a recently qualified, ambitious, young ward sister to make of this? She had a speech impediment, she would need more training, and where would the money for all this come from? God was insistent, and when Margaret yielded to his will, she began an amazing journey of adventure and faith, experiencing a range of incredible difficulties and wonderful answers to prayer.

Margaret Hayes was born in London and trained there and in Manchester. Part of her story is recorded in her earlier book Missing, Believed Killed, also part of this collection. She served missionary terms in Congo and the Republic of Niger. She now lives in retirement in Surbiton, Surrey, and is a member of Hook Evangelical Church.

...a kaleidoscope of divine miracles and sheer hard work, soaring triumph and tragic loss, glorious laughter and bitter tears, spiritual reluctance and fervent courage.
—Brian H. Edwards

Missing, Believed Killed

• Margaret Hayes
• 256 pages | Day One Publications | 2002

In 1964, Margaret Hayes, a British nurse working in the Congo, was caught up in the Simba rebellion. Her miraculous escape from the massacre of all her colleagues, her capture and harrowing experiences at the hands of the rebels, and her eventual release are described in Missing, Believed Killed.

This is a story of the God of miracles and of the reality of the presence of Jesus Christ with his people in the darkest nights of human cruelty.
—Brian H. Edwards

This book goes into the category: ‘must be read.’
—Grace Magazine

365 Days with Spurgeon (Volume 1)

• Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Terence Crosby
• 384 pages | Day One Publications | 1998

This excellent book will help if you are looking for something more challenging in your daily readings. From the archive of the young Charles Haddon Spurgeon's Park Street sermons (long before his well-known days at London's more famous Metropolitan Tabernacle), we have true pearls of biblical wisdom. What is particularly striking when reading these extracts is how appropriate they are to the ears of modern Christians in need of genuine spiritual insight.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a highly influential preacher and prolific writer during the nineteenth century. His sermons are available as part of the The Complete Spurgeon Collection, also available from Logos. Terence Peter Crosby holds a Ph.D. in Classics (Greek and Latin) from London University. He lives in south London with his wife, Daphne.

I recommend this without hesitation.
—English Churchman

365 Days with Spurgeon (Volume 2)

• Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Terence Crosby
• 384 pages | Day One Publications | 2002

Following the warm reception to 365 Days with Spurgeon, Terence Crosby has edited and selected this second volume of daily readings, which cover Spurgeon's first six years at London's Metropolitan Tabernacle.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a highly influential preacher and prolific writer during the nineteenth century. His sermons are available as part of the The Complete Spurgeon Collection, also available from Logos. Terence Peter Crosby holds a Ph.D. in Classics (Greek and Latin) from London University. He lives in south London with his wife, Daphne.

I recommend this without hesitation.
—English Churchman

365 Days with Spurgeon (Volume 3)

• Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Terence Crosby
• 384 pages | Day One Publications | 2005

A book of 365 daily devotional readings taken from Charles Haddon Spurgeon's sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle. These have been carefully selected. Because Spurgeon treated every occasion as a unique opportunity for evangelism, an outstanding feature of these extracts is the diversity of the subjects covered and their relevance to contemporary Christians.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a highly influential preacher and prolific writer during the nineteenth century. His sermons are available as part of the The Complete Spurgeon Collection, also available from Logos. Terence Peter Crosby holds a Ph.D. in Classics (Greek and Latin) from London University. He lives in south London with his wife, Daphne.

Dr. Crosby [is]...a thoroughly qualified and wise editor of Spurgeon...
—Iain H. Murray

365 Days with Spurgeon (Volume 4)

• Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Terence Crosby
• 448 pages | Day One Publications | 2007

A book of 365 more daily readings taken from Charles Haddon Spurgeon’s sermons from the Metropolitan Tabernacle. These date from the middle of his London ministry (1873-1879) and cover a wide range of subjects. Many of the extracts are accompanied by a verse carefully selected from one of the hymns sung on the occasion. In addition to a subject index, this volume includes a unique chronological index to Spurgeon’s sermons with notes on the dating.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a highly influential preacher and prolific writer during the nineteenth century. His sermons are available as part of the The Complete Spurgeon Collection, also available from Logos. Terence Peter Crosby holds a Ph.D. in Classics (Greek and Latin) from London University. He lives in south London with his wife, Daphne.

Nothing in English church literature can compare to the usefulness found from [Spurgeon’s] preaching—it is a lasting legacy.
—Doug McMasters

Abolition!: Newton, The Ex-slave Trader, and Wilberforce, The Little Liberator

• John Pollock
• 107 pages | Day One Publications | 2007

A small boy aged ten was playing in the grounds of his uncle’s rural villa on the edge of Wimbledon Common in the summer of 1769 when the family carriage arrived at the door. The carriage contained the boy’s uncle and a clergyman in his forties. The boy was the young William Wilberforce, and the clergyman was John Newton. No one in 1769 would have foreseen that these two men would be the key characters in the abolition of the slave trade in 1807. Here, John Pollock tells the story of how they came from different backgrounds and amazingly different earlier lives to build a strong friendship and partnership in the gospel.

John Pollock has for thirty years been the leading authority on Wilberforce. His full-length biography, first published in 1977, has never been out of print. He followed it with Amazing Grace: John Newton’s Story. In Abolition!, he uses manuscript material not previously available. He is a board member of the John Newton Project and is the author of many other biographies including Hudson Taylor, John Wesley, Lord Shaftesbury, Gordon of Khartoum and Lord Kitchener. He is the official biographer of Billy Graham. He lives in Devon, England.

I have read many books on Wilberforce and Newton, but this one is probably the most readable, and the most moving of them all. To think of such great men turns my heart in praise and thankfulness to God for giving them to the world.
—Rev. Mick Swales, a trustee of the John Newton Project

Related Title:

The Roots of Endurance: Invincible Perseverance in the Lives of John Newton, Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce, by John Piper (available as part of the 24-volume John Piper Collection)

365 Days with Newton

• Marylynn K. Rouse
• 384 pages | Day One Publications | 2006

John Newton was a rich and princely teacher, a sensitive and caring pastor, and a straight, outspoken guide. His whole ministry bore the marks so evident in his hymns: it was consistently biblical (to share the Word of God), spiritual (to promote walking with God), simple (to make biblical truth and principles plain) and practical (to inculcate personal holiness and sound relationships in church and society). In this collection, every day bears these marks, so useful to every believer, and so instructive for those called to minister.

Marylynn Rouse has for many years done extensive research into the life and work of John Newton. She is presently working on the publication of The Complete Works of John Newton through The John Newton Project, a charity of which she is executive researcher. She has published an annotated edition of the original biography of Newton and The Searcher of Hearts, Newton's sermon notes on Romans 8.

John Newton in his day, for all his colorful past, was among those early evangelical clergy whom Sir James Stephen, in a famous phrase, called ‘the second founders of the Church of England.’ Here, from the ripeness of his ministry, his hymns, diaries, letters, sermons, and other writings, Marylynn Rouse offers us a scriptural meditation for every day of the year. No one could have done it better; and no reader who will approach the book with a receptive heart will not be drawn closer to God by the warmth of John Newton's practical Christian counsel and pastoral exposition.
—Bishop Timothy Dudley-Smith

365 Days with Wilberforce

• Kevin Belmonte
• 384 pages | Day One Publications | 2006

William Wilberforce led the twenty-year fight to abolish the British slave trade. He championed medical aid for the poor, prison rehabilitation, education for the deaf, and restrictions on child labor. Wilberforce found "nothing more effectual than private prayer, and the serious perusal of the New Testament." He maintained that "all may be done through prayer, almighty prayer." He insisted that "in the calmness of the morning, before the mind is heated and wearied by the turmoil of the day, you have a season of unusual importance for communing with God and with yourself." He seized upon such opportunities, believing "God will prosper me better if I wait on him."

365 Days with Wilberforce is a collection unlike any other. Drawing directly from Wilberforce's writings, the selections in this book illustrate how God sustained and guided him. Those who seek to walk their pilgrim's progress aright will find much to ponder, pray over, and treasure.

Kevin Belmonte lives in the seaside village of York, Maine. His is part of a literary family that includes the poets Robert Frost and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. For the last five years he has been the principal historical consultant for Amazing Grace, a feature film on the life of Wilberforce. He has served as a script consultant for the BBC, and his book, Hero for Humanity: A Biography of William Wilberforce, is the winner of the John Pollock Award for Christian Biography. He and his wife, Kelly, are the proud parents of a son, Samuel.