The Glory of Grace: The Story of the Canons of Dort

by William Boekestein; illustrated by Evan Hughes

© 2012 by William Boekestein,

Reformation Heritage Books: Grand Rapids, MI, 30 pp.

Readers of the third volume in the Boekestein/Hughes trilogy of children’s books will find themselves glorying in God’s grace.

The collaborative efforts of William Boekestein and Evan Hughes culminate in this lucidly written and engagingly illustrated concluding volume of the pair’s series on the Three Forms of Unity.

As in the two previous books, The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism and Faithfulness Under Fire: The Story of Guido de Bres, Boekestein aptly conveys complex theological history in terms easily understood by children. Colorful illustrations by Hughes capture children’s attention and spread to page edges as an artistic background for block of easy-to-read large text.

Boekestein has masterfully simplified the Canons’ comprehensive history as well as the content of the Canons themselves, and included an epilogue summarizing the current status of the Canons and contemporary discussion related to them.

This thin hardcover, beautifully produced by Reformation Heritage Books, is the Boekestein/Hughes best effort yet and is highly recommended for family and church libraries, especially in order to complete this helpful set on the Three Forms of Unity.

Having personally wrestled with summarizing complex historical issues related to the Canons of Dort (see pp. 83-85 of Little One Lost: Living with Early Infant Loss, Reformed Fellowship, 2012) increases my admiration for Boekestein’s deft treatment and his emphasis on the glory of God’s grace.

The above book review by Glenda Mathes appeared on page 28 of the February 6, 2013, issue of Christian Renewal.