Theobold the Iron-Hearted

by Ebenezer Thompson Baird

New edition with New cover! A battle in medieval times brings about a unique situation between two enemy knights, Theobold and Erhard. Unknowingly, after Theobold thought he had killed Erhard, he finds himself wounded and being cared for in the house of Erhard's father. This story teaches the principle Jesus brought forth in Matthew 5:44, 'But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.'

64 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1990

About the author

Reverend Ebenezer Thompson Baird (1821–1887) was an influential Presbyterian minister, fundraiser, founder of schools, and missionary. He studied law, worked at various schools, and was an editor for a Presbyterian newspaper.

Baird was the son of notable minister Thomas D. Baird. He had four brothers and one sister. Ebenezer Baird served as the Secretary of the Committees of Education and Publication in the Presbyterian church.

Baird helped lay the cornerstone of the Broadway Presbyterian Church in Baltimore, Maryland on August 13, 1844. He was a teacher at a private school in Baltimore the early 1840s.

Baird helped raise money to start a seminary in Terre Haute, Indiana. The building was used for a private school and Baird was the first principal of Vigo Collegiate Institute. After it opened he became the school's librarian.

Reviews

[Kay Adelin]

For a children's book, this was a nice read that taught a good lesson that children and adults alike can learn. There is also a little bit of simple history tucked into the book which was nice too! The only negative thing about the book is the fact that it seemed to portray Catholics as unsaved and wicked (at least in my eyes). At least they counterbalanced that by showing some of the Protestants also did wicked acts.

In all though, it was a very uplifting and encouraging read, which, if you have children, could stimulate some good faith-filled discussions about loving enemies, kindness and even a little bit of history!

Personal Rating: 4/5 Stars

Read full review at: https://achristiangirlwrites.wordpres...

[Anne Snyder]

A powerful story about loving one's enemies.

[Rob Bentley]

This is an interesting book from the 1800s. It's about forgiveness and loving your enemies and those who mistreat you.

The protagonist is apparently a Protestant of some type, and the antagonist seems to be a Catholic. Anyway, Theobold the Iron-Hearted was written for young people as a faith-promoting story. Overall it was pretty enjoyable, and I found it to have a lot of truth in it (although the author of the book doesn't seem to have a very high opinion of Catholics).