Bethan Lloyd-Jones

They say that behind every great man there is a great woman and this new CFP book by Lynette G Clark Far above rubies on Bethan Lloyd-Jones would tend to support that thesis. This is a relatively small book but it is written in an expansive way and really brings out the humanity of the Lloyd-Jones marriage, which was no doubt a key element in the blessing that the Doctor was to so many. Didactic in style, the book is very thorough. It necessarily leans on a lot of material already in the public domain but there is a lot of fresh stuff here that will fascinate and provoke to thought. Some of the anecdotes are quite something. If you want to know more about Vernon Higham's groin, R T Kendall and his flirting or Dr Lloyd-Jones' laughing at his craving for sheam, it's all here and more. The temptation to hagiography is there from time to time but is resisted and what we get is a rounded picture of a godly woman not without her frailties. The footnoted book is studded with Scripture references and other quotations and includes an 18 page series of questions for reflection, several appendices and a full bibliography as well as many photographs. It is a shame that it is not in hardback. Chapter 10 is one of the most interesting chapters, looking at the couple's differing and sometimes changing views on the Sabbath and infant baptism; at Bethan's devotional life and giving and at her wisdom. There appear to be no typos and very little else of that sort (no doubt in later life she watched snooker rather than billiards on TV but may be I'm wrong). A real treat for ministers or their wives, for women or for men. A real treat.