William Gurnall facts for kids
William Gurnall (born in 1616, died in 1679) was an English writer and church leader. He was born in King's Lynn, Norfolk, and was baptized on November 17, 1616.
He went to school in his hometown. Later, he studied at Emmanuel College, Cambridge. He earned his first degree in 1635 and a master's degree in 1639. In 1644, he became the rector (main priest) of St Peter and St Paul's Church, Lavenham in Suffolk. He also worked in Sudbury before that.
He continued his work as a clergyman during a time of big changes in England.
About The Christian in Complete Armour
William Gurnall is most famous for his book, The Christian in Complete Armour. This book was published in three parts between 1655 and 1662. It is a collection of his sermons and talks. He based these talks on a part of the Bible called Ephesians 6:10-20.
The book is like a guide for Christians. It helps them understand how to face challenges in their faith. It talks about "spiritual warfare," which means dealing with difficult thoughts or situations that test one's beliefs. The book is very practical and focuses on how to live a faithful life.
Many famous people have praised Gurnall's book. Richard Baxter and John Flavel thought it was excellent. John Newton, who was once a slave trader and later became a clergyman, said that if he could only have one book besides the Bible, he would choose Christian Armour. Charles Haddon Spurgeon, a well-known preacher, called it "peerless and priceless" and full of wisdom.
In 1988, a shorter and easier-to-read version of the book was published.
Other Works by William Gurnall
- The Christian in Complete Armour, Diggory Press, ISBN: 978-1-84685-795-9
- The Christian's Labour and Reward
- "The Christian in Complete Armour", Daily readings in Spiritual Warfare, Edited by James S Bell, Jr. Moody Publishers, ISBN: 978-0-8024-1177-8
Sources
- H. Keon, An Inquiry into the Life of the Rev. W. Gurnall, 1830
- John Charles Ryle, Introduction to the Christian in Complete Armour, 1865
