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Gustavus Adolphus: A Hero of the Reformation
Gustavus Adolphus: A Hero of the Reformation
by C.A. LaCroix
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Description
The true story and the only biography in print of one of the forgotten heroes of history, particularly of the Great Reformation. This principled and righteous king, and famed general, is a model Christian for young men in many respects.
"One of the most important men in the history of the Reformation. His deep conviction and determination to see truth triumph cost him his life; but in losing it, he delivered nations..." (Tom Nettles). Great family reading or a book for anyone interested in godly military heroes.
From his boyhood, the grace of God formed in him skills and character with which he was destined to serve the interests of the kingdom of God. With the armies of Sweden at his command, he set out to preserve the freedom to preach the Word of God in Europe, resisting those who would have stamped out the truth of the Reformation. Even in the victories of his conquest, his character as a man of faith shone, as one of the mighty who nonetheless loved mercy in regard to even his enemies, and who said to his friends, "All that God has given me, I have given you without reserve, nor do I demand anything of you in return."
Click on "additional information" (below) for a review from the Calvary Herald Magazine.
In an age when boys have few military heroes to whom they can look as manifesting distinctly Christian character, Gustavus Adolphus shines as a champion who battled for his Christian brothers in a foreign land, commanding a great army and yet bowing before a greater Lord, and who ultimately made the greatest sacrifice of all -- that of laying down his life for his friends. If you want your sons to learn how faith and courage unite, this is a biography you will want them to read.
"Our day is one of looking for heroes and champions. This book provides a brief account of a hero of the Reformation. Gustavus Adolphus was born in December 1594, into Swedish royalty. His childhood was full of contemporary political turmoil. Rather than isolating his son from ongoing international problems, his father prepared him to rule. By 1611, the year his reign began, he was leading troops into battle. He battled threats from Danes and Poles to his rule in Sweden and faithfully led his troops in defense of their nation.
Greater fame came to him for his leadership of Protestants in the Thirty Year War. His entry into the war was for God's glory, not for personal or national advancement. This fact is in contrast to what society considers as heroic reasoning today. This decision resulted in great personal sacrifice. He had to leave his family and the borders of his country. He had to withstand plots against him and the fickleness of his supposed allies.
What stands out in this king's life is not his wealth or battlefield heroics. Repeatedly his Christian faith is lived out on and off the field of war. The author provides numerous examples of the king's faith in action. He was never disquieted by the secret plans of his enemies. He realized that the sovereign God would not call him home until his earthly work was done. He did not fear death or the battlefield. Adolphus knew that if he did die, God would raise up another to take up His cause. Adolphus died on November 6, 1632 as a result of injuries suffered in the Battle of Lutzen.
Fame did not go to his head nor did he wield power for his glory or advancement. There are many character traits and much Christian commitment that our generation needs to know existed in Christian leaders of bygone eras. By conveying Adolphus' life story, the author also conveys the living out of Christianity as a normal part of life, even for Christian leaders. This is a much-needed reminder for us and our children, in our day of emphasis on image and political correctness." --
Byron Snapp, Calvary Herald Magazine, Hampton, Virginia
