Evangelicals Now
<< May 2004 >>

In trouble and in joy

Women's studies

IN TROUBLE AND IN JOY
By Sharon James
Evangelical Press. 287 pages
ISBN 0 85234 546 1

Good Christian biographies are a real find - and this is just that. It describes the lives of four godly women who lived between the 17th and 19th centuries in England and America - Margaret Baxter, Sarah Edwards, Anne Steele and Frances Ridley Havergal. They are four very different women, with very different experiences, but they all share one thing: a deep love for their Lord and a wonderful desire to serve him at all costs.

Sharon James has presented her material beautifully. In each case, she sums up the historical context in which her subject lived, she describes the different phases of her life, and concludes with an assessment of her character and significance. There is a selection of writings for each (journal extracts, letters, hymns, etc.), which contributes to the overall portrait of each woman.

It is a good read from a number of different angles. For example, it is a great challenge to wholehearted Christian living, it is interesting on the place of experience in the Christian life, it is fascinating historically (for example, the section on Sarah Edwards (wife of Jonathan) is full of detail about the 18th-century 'Great Awakening' revival in New England, and it is totally accessible. The women are remarkable but very ordinary as well.

Particular highlights for me were Sarah Edwards's perseverance under persecution that was intense and highly personal; Margaret Baxter's deep commitment to her husband (Puritan preacher, Richard) and to his ministry; Anne Steele's cheerfulness and contentment in all circumstances and her light-hearted appreciation of the benefits of singleness; Frances Ridley Havergal's combination of seriousness about her faith and attractive sense of humour, and her passion for encouraging individuals in their relationship with Christ.

Sharon James sums up with four aspects that are true of all four women: submission to God's sovereignty, obedience, enjoyment of the love of God and total consecration.

A great read!
Mary Davis, Tooting