Out of the Mouth of the Lion - a Book Review

I recently had the opportunity to read and review a book from Salem Ridge Press, entitled Out of the Mouth of the Lion. This book was written by a Victorian children’s author, Emma Leslie, and originally published in 1875.

The story follows the lives of Flaminius, a high Roman official, his wife, Flavia, and her sister, Sisidona. After attending the sacrifice of Christians to a lion at the Coliseum, Flavia is profoundly affected by the faith of these believers, even in the faith of such a horrendous death. Flavia ultimately comes to faith in Jesus Christ, putting herself and her family in a precarious situation as the Roman persecution of Christians continues to escalate. Fearing for his wife as well as himself, Flaminius obtains a transfer to another city. As the persecution continues to spread and intensify, Flaminius and his family are forced to move a number of times, ultimately traveling to the seven cities mentioned in Revelation. Each city is living in the time of the letters written to them. Throughout their journey, Flavia prays in earnest for her husband to come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Flaminius is repulsed by Christianity, and although he loves his wife dearly, he decides that the only way to remain with peaceably with her is to agree never to speak of her newfound faith. He remains adamant in his belief and worship of the Roman gods until something happens that causes him to question not only all that he has believed, but also that which his wife believes.

As this book was published over 130 years ago, the language is rather archaic, however, when republished, the unusual vocabulary words were included on the bottom of the pages along with their definition. Because of the wording, I wasn’t sure how well my two boys would manage, so we used this book as a read-aloud story. I found it to be a fascinating and intense story, as did the boys. It was very powerful to read of the faith of the characters as they remained true to the Lord, in spite of the threats and persecution of Christians. It was interesting to read about the cities in Asia Minor, and look at how the way they were commended and rebuked might have actually played out at the time the letters in Revelation were written. It’s refreshing to read a book where Biblical truth is maintained.

Salem Ridge Press was founded by Daniel Mills, a young man who is a homeschool graduate. Because of two old books which Daniel read while still a teen, a desire to republish similar books was born. Salem Ridge Press is a family-owned business in Pennsylvania and Philippians 4:8 provides their underlying philosophy. Daniel strongly believes that what we put into our minds contributes significantly to our character. As such, he seeks to provide reading material that fits the qualifications outlined in the Bible. Not all books published by Salem Ridge Press are specifically Christian, but they all have strong moral values and encourage positive character.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

You can read other reviews of not only Out of the Mouth of the Lion, but also other books by Salem Ridge Press at the TOS Homeschool Crew blog.

Disclaimer: I was provided a free copy of Out of the Mouth of the Lion to review. The opinions stated here are my own.