Stronger than the Sword: Persecuted for Righteousness' Sake

by Faith Cook

Though the characters are fictitious, they represent the truth. Their lives are interwoven with historical figures, such as John Bunyan. Set during a time of great persecution, the focus is on a typical family living in Somerset at that time. The lesson is we do not fear those who kill the body, but must have faith that is 'stronger than the sword'. A farmer, searching the moors at night for his son, missing after a skirmish in the English Civil War, stumbles across a Royalist soldier lying severely injured in a ditch. His decision to help the man will have surprising repercussions in years to come, both for his own family and for the stranger whose life was saved at great personal cost to his rescuers. Set in times when to refuse to conform to the forms of worship imposed by the state was to risk fines or imprisonment, The circumstances of the lives of the central characters are set in the context of these stirring historical events. These people are representative of the countless numbers of Christians worldwide who, down the centuries, have demonstrated a faith in the living God which is stronger than the sword - a faith that prevails even though a civil power may attempt to crush and annihilate it. As such, their example challenges Christians today to remain faithful to the truths of Scripture, cost what it may and however subtle the forms in which persecution may be presented.

Genres: History

190 pages, Paperback

First published January 9, 2010

About the author

Faith Cook was born in China, the daughter of OMF missionaries, and now lives in Derbyshire. She is married to Paul, who served as a pastor in churches in Northallerton, Shepshed and Hull. They have five children and ten grandchildren. She is also the author of Lives Turned Upside Down, The Nine-Day Queen of England, Our Hymn-writers and their Hymns, Seeing the Invisible and Under the Scaffold.

Reviews

[Cody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down, I have an odd taste when it comes to these types of Historical books (I quite like it).

The characters were quite likable and it was sad when some of them died (but it did happen), I definitely would not put the English civil war in my 'specialty' list, but I do enjoy it.

The history was accurate (as far as I could tell), the theology was great, it clearly displayed the simple message of the gospel. Well written, thank you! LOVED IT!!!

[Carolyn Cash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book as I could not put it down once I started reading it, as it is a very accurate portrayal of life set against the backdrop of the English Civil War and early Restoration period.

A farmer goes out searching for his son missing after a nearby skirmish, only to find a Royalist soldier lying severely injured in a ditch.

His decision to help the stranger has surprising repercussions later on.

This was also a time of persecution towards Christians who refused to conform to church worship imposed by the government.

This is a message which still resonates with Christians who are being persecuted for their faith today and issues a challenge to stay faithful to the truths of Scripture.

One major theme of Stronger Than the Sword: Persecuted for Righteousness' Sale was the simple message of the Gospel.

[Jenny Carr · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt the characters were a bit bland. This certainly wasn't one of this books, which once you start reading you can't put down.