First published in 1885, Bishop J. C. Ryle, in his 'Christian Leaders of the 18th Century', introduces us to a number of men who were prominent in the evangelical revival of that period. Amongst the 11 stalwarts of the faith to whom Ryle refers is a certain William Grimshaw. About him Ryle begins:
"The third spiritual hero of the last century whom I wish to introduce to my readers, is one who is very little known. The man I mean is William Grimshaw, Perpetual Curate of Haworth, in Yorkshire.
Thousands, I can well believe are familiar with the history of Whitefield and Wesley, who have not so much as heard of Grimshaw's name. Yet he was a mighty man of God, of whom the Church and the world were not worthy. If greatness is to be measured by usefulness to souls, I believe that there were not in England a hundred years ago three greater men than William Grimshaw."
As we, over the next week or two, proceed through the three chapters of Ryle's book about Grimshaw, we will learn something of his life and work, and how Ryle seeks to pay due honour to a man who was greatly used of God in his day and generation. Here then, is the first part of Bishop Ryle's brief biography about William Grimshaw.
Note: Some listeners may like to know that J. C. Ryle's 'Christian Leaders of the 18th Century' has been published and reprinted by The Banner of Truth Trust, and is available online from Amazon, as well as other good booksellers.
In 2008 Pastor Paul Cook gave two lectures at Crich, on the life of William Grimshaw. These are available using the links below: tinysa.com/sermon/12290882137 tinysa.com/sermon/123108619100
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John Charles Ryle was born in the English town of Macclesfield, in the County of Cheshire, on the 10th of May, 1816. His education took him to the prestigious college at Eton, followed by time spent at the great University of Oxford. His conversion can be traced to a time when...
