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The Irish Puritans

James Ussher and the Reformation of the Church

The gospel in Ireland

THE IRISH PURITANS
James Ussher and the Reformation of the Church
By Crawford Gribben
Evangelical Press. 148 pages. £7.95
ISBN 0 85234 536 4

This well-researched, well-written book comes to us in a fresh and fluent style. The unpredictability of the events coupled with the fast-moving pace make this a compelling read.

The text largely focuses on James Ussher and traces his role in the emerging Irish Reformed Church. The author links the Irish Reformation with contemporary English and Scottish church history and covers a wide time period, right up to the present day. The book is eminently readable, but particularly suited, I feel, to those with an interest in church history, Reformation principles and methods of church government. Others might find the succinct, detailed narrative somewhat heavy-going.

This book is rich in information and balanced in interpretative comment. James Ussher is presented in a well-rounded manner, and it soon becomes clear that there was much more to the man than his famous chronological studies.

The book ends with a rather touching plea for evangelical missionaries to spread the gospel in Ireland, an area of Europe which has suffered neglect, and whose desperate need is evident as we trace her violent history.

Kathy Childress